In order to better understand the global approach and country differences in physicians’ usage, knowledge, and attitudes towards natural remedies and homeopathy in pediatric practice, an online survey involving 582 general pediatricians and general practitioners treating pediatric diseases was conducted in 6 countries. Overall, 17% of the pediatric prescriptions refer to phytotherapy and 15% refer to homeopathic preparations. Natural remedies and homeopathic preparations are more frequently used in upper respiratory tract infections, infant colic, sleep disturbances, and recurrent infections. In the majority of cases, they are used together with chemical drugs. Both treatment options are typically used if parents are concerned about side effects of conventional drugs or prefer natural remedies for themselves. Physicians express high interest in natural remedies and homeopathy; however, their knowledge is variable. Lack of proven efficacy, knowledge on mechanism of action, and information on indications are main factors that limit their usage.

In recent decades the use of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) has increased significantly, not only among adults but also in the pediatric population.  Perceived efficacy of homeopathic or natural treatments, fear of drug adverse effects, dissatisfaction with conventional medicine, and the need for more personal attention are the main reasons given by parents who treat their children with homeopathy.In the present paper the use of natural and homeopathic remedies  for the treatment of children ailments are considered. In particular we focus on minor disorders of early childhood with a major impact on the well-being of the whole family, namely infant colic, teething, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and tonsillopharyngitis. The results of recent studies on homeopathic products for the treatment of these disorders are be presented and discussed.

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to get a deeper understanding of global trends and country differences in physicians' usage, knowledge, and attitudes regarding homeopathy and natural remedies in paediatric practice. Method : Online survey with 582 general paediatricians and GPs treating paediatric conditions in 6 countries (Germany, Spain, Russia, Bulgaria, Colombia, Israel). Results : Across all countries 17% of the paediatric prescriptions and drug treatment recommendations refer to phytotherapy and 15% refer to homeopathic preparations (the highest use of both treatment options in Germany, the lowest use in Israel). Natural remedies (phytotherapy and vitamins, minerals and supplements) and homeopathic preparations are most frequently used in upper respiratory tract infections, infant colic, sleep disturbances and recurrent infections. In the majority of cases they are used as complementary treatment together with conventional drugs. Both treatment options are typically used when parents are concerned about side effects of conventional drugs and when parents prefer natural remedies for themselves. Physicians express high interest in natural remedies and homeopathy, however their knowledge level is heterogeneous. Lack of proven efficacy, lack of knowledge on mechanism of action and lack of information concerning the fields where natural remedies or homeopathic preparations might be applied are the main factors that limit their usage by physicians. High usage of both treatment options is associated with a higher level of knowledge, with personal usage, with the belief in a lower risk of side effects and with lower limitations to use them due to lack of proven efficacy. Conclusions: The study confirms high interest of physicians in using natural remedies and homeopathic preparations in children which is driven by parents' request and by the belief that these treatment options are associated with a lower risk of side effects. Due to the heterogeneous level of knowledge physicians need more information about natural remedies and homeopathy and conditions that can be treated.

OriginalUso y actitudes frente a los medicamentos naturales y homeopáticos en pacientes pediátricos: una encuesta entre médicos colombianos R E S U M E NAntecedentes: El uso de la medicina complementaria y alternativa (MCA) ha ido en aumento en todo el mundo, no solo en adultos, sino también en niños. A pesar del fuerte interés en la MCA, existe poca información publicada sobre su uso en la práctica clínica, especialmente para países no angloparlantes y para población pediátrica.Objetivos: Para comprender mejor el uso, el conocimiento y la actitud de los médicos con respecto a los medicamentos naturales y la homeopatía, se llevó a cabo una encuesta internacional con participación de pediatras y médicos generales que atienden pacientes pediátricos en seis países: Alemania, Rusia, Bulgaria, España, Colombia e Israel. En el presente trabajo, se analizan los datos asociados a Colombia y se comparan con los resultados generales.Método: La encuesta internacional fue realizada mediante en varis paises. Los datos fueron recolectados entre mayo y junio del 2014 mediante un cuestionario en línea estructurado y dirigido a pediatras y médicos generales que atienden niños.Resultados: En Colombia, un total de 51 médicos participaron en la encuesta: el 80% de los encuestados eran pediatras y el 20% eran médicos generales o médicos de atención primaria.El 12.7% de las prescripciones y/o recomendaciones pediátricas analizadas en el estudio estaban relacionadas con preparados homeopáticos, y el 8.6% estaban relacionadas con la fitoterapia. Los medicamentos naturales y la homeopatía comúnmente se usan junto con los fármacos convencionales/tradicionales. Las enfermedades más comunes tratadas con homeopatía fueron infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior (42%), alergias (39%), infecciones recurrentes (35%), trastornos del sueño (32%), problemas abdominales agudos (26%), cólico infantil (23%) y problemas de comportamiento (19%). Los pacientes típicos tratados con medicamentos naturales eran niños con padres preocupados por los efectos secundarios de los medicamentos convencionales (30%) y quienes optaban por el uso de * Autor para correspondencia. Carlos Arturo Moreno Correo electrónico: camorenomon16@hotmail.com Como Citar: Moreno Carlos Arturo, Riveros Huckstadt María Pilar. Uso y actitudes frente a los medicamentos naturales y homeopáticos en Pacientes Pediátricos: una encuesta entre médicos colombianos. Pediatr. 2017;50(2):44-51.