03.01.10
Pediatric users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) were more likely to take prescription medications, have a parent who used CAM and have chronic conditions like anxiety or stress, musculoskeletal conditions, dermatologic conditions or sinusitis, according to a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics. Researchers used 2007 National Health Interview Survey data of 9417 individuals under 18 years of age to compare CAM users (excluding those using vitamins and minerals) and non-CAM users. CAM users were more likely than non-CAM users to be adolescents rather than infants or toddlers; live in the West, Northeast or Midwest compared with those in the South; more likely to have a parent with a college education; and more likely to use prescription medication. Use of CAM by a parent was strongly associated with the child’s use of CAM.