Is the use of alternative therapy in children just another form of medicalisation? A prospective study

Abstract

Aim The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) seems widespread in adults and children, despite the conflicting evidence regarding its effectiveness and safety. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of the use of CAM in a population of Italian children. Methods This is a prospective observational study conducted in 4 family paediatric clinics, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, from February to June 2019. Children were enrolled after being visited. The use of CAM and essential therapies (ET) in the previous year was investigated with an anonymous questionnaire. The demographic characteristics of children and families were also collected. Results Six hundred children were enrolled, mean age 5.8 years, 50% females. In the previous year, 358 (60%) children used both essential therapies and CAM, 209 children (35%) only essential therapies, 25 (4%) only CAM, and 8 (1%) no therapy. CAM was more frequently used in children whose parents have a higher educational level and come from high‐income countries (P < .0001). Non‐vaccinated children received more CAM than vaccinated ones (P < .003). Conclusion In our population, more than 60% of children receive CAM. The use of this medical approach seems strictly related to the social and cultural status of families.

Verification of Bio-Resonance Efficiency Method for Neutralization of Chosen Pathogens

“…According this state, the effectiveness of a part of Alternative Medicine methods should be verified in laboratory conditions. Also Ventura et al [6] analyzed similar problem in 4 family pediatric clinics, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. On the other hand, the attitudes of Turkish physicians toward CAM elucidate Izgu et al [7].…”

Book clubs as strategy for increasing nutrition knowledge among general population

“…Indeed, consumers strongly trust in information from social media, e.g., modifying their purchase decision when unfavorable comments about a product have been spread, even when they are not able to distinguish between fake news and real information (Soon, 2020). This fact is not always related to a low education level since, for example, parents with high education level and economic resources preferentially use complementary medicine -mostly without scientific evidence-for their children (Ventura et al, 2021). Besides, the influence of fake news is particularly relevant in young people, where nutrition is one of the topics they look more often in social media, focusing on aspects such as dietary supplements, "clean eating" or body changes (Goodyear et al, 2019).…”