The familiarity, attitude, and knowledge of complementary medicine in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children amongst paediatricians in Gauteng

Abstract

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)Abstract: Background Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with a high incidence among children worldwide. The current allopathic approaches to its treatment are associated with several adverse and long-term effects which contribute to parents seeking alternative options such as complementary medicines (CM) and related therapies to help manage their child’s ADHD. Aim The aim of this study is to determine the familiarity, attitude, and knowledge of CM in ADHD in children amongst paediatricians in Gauteng, by means of a survey with the utilization of a questionnaire. Setting The questionnaire was completed by means of a survey and conducted in Gauteng with participating paediatricians by means of email, telephone and in person. Methods A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used. Paediatricians practicing in Gauteng listed on Medpages and the Paediatrician Management Group (PMG) were recruited. Data was obtained through a structured 21-item, questionnaire. Data was descriptively analysed using IBM SPSS 27.0. Results A total of 23 paediatricians participated in the research study. Only a small portion of paediatricians reported feeling comfortable referring or recommending CM to their ADHD patients. Most paediatricians had previously been exposed to CM but reported only being limitedly familiar with the different CM therapies available. The majority of the paediatricians were found to be familiar with both self-help practices and over-the-counter (OTC) CM products used in the management of ADHD. Most paediatricians reported asking their patients about CM use in their ADHD and believed that Homeopathy and Phytotherapy was most frequently used CM in ADHD treatment. The majority of paediatricians did not consider..