Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal → June 2003 → Medical Treatment → Miscellaneous Medical Treatment→ Abstract #68

GENERAL ATTITUDES TO COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES (CATs) AMONG PEDIATRICIANS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA (BC) AND SPECIFICALLY IN RELATION TO TREATING JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS (JIA)

O. Ortiz-Alvarez,¹ D. A. Cabral.¹

¹Rheumatology, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada

The popularity of CATs in the Western society is significant and may influence the level of satisfaction and compliance with conventional health care. The general pediatrician (GP) caring for a child may be an influence in shaping parental attitudes to these therapies. Aims: To describe attitudes and practices of a population of pediatricians to CAT; and to determine if demographic factors associate with prescriptions of CATs for JIA. Methods: A mail out survey questionnaire to all GPs in BC, with demographic questions, including countries of birth and primary medical training. Regarding CATs there were questions about personal use, knowledge of, and attitude to patients use, and prescribing practices.Results: 50 (56%) of 89 GPs (35 male) who had practised for a mean of 14y (range 1-33), responded to the survey. The mean age was 46.5 y (range 32-69 ), 23 were Canadian born, 25 had primary medical training in Canada and 15 used CATs personally. 14 treated patients with arthritis. 3 GPs never discussed CATs, and of the rest, 74% usually only discussed CATs if brought up by the parents. In discussion, 6% were encouraging, 19% discouraging and 75% neutral. 36% referred non-arthritis patients for CATs. 16% of parents admitted CAT use to the GP, but GPs suspected the use was double. Among the 13 GPs who prescribed CATs for arthritis, one or more CATs were prescribed at the following frequencies: acupuncture 38%, massage 38%, relaxation 38%, biofeedback 23%, hypnosis 23%, imagery 23% and 7.5 % for faith healing, naturopathy, Chinese traditional medicines, vitamins, glucosamine, and light emitting diode therapy. Among the variables discussed, only Canadian primary medical training was associated with likelihood to prescribe CATs. Conclusions: The GP may be one of the forces promoting CAT use among patients with arthritis in Canada, and Canadian trained GPs were more likely to prescribe CATs.