%0 Journal Article
%T Perceptions of complementary/alternative medicine use and influence on evidence-based asthma medicine adherence in Malaysian children
%J -
%D 2019
%R https://doi.org/10.1038/s41533-019-0118-x
%X Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used especially in Asia including for childhood asthma. The use of CAM could influence adherence to evidence-based (E-B) medicine. We explored the views of carers of Malaysian children with asthma regarding the use of CAM for childhood asthma, and its relationship with self-reported adherence to E-B medicine. We used a screening questionnaire to identify children diagnosed with asthma from seven suburban primary schools in Malaysia. Informed consent was obtained prior to the interviews. We conducted the interviews using a semi-structured topic guide in participants¡¯ preferred language (Malay, Mandarin, or Tamil). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded using Nvivo. Analysis was performed thematically, informed by the Necessity-Concerns Framework. A total of 46 carers (16 Malays, 21 Indians, 9 Chinese) contributed to 12 focus groups and one individual interview. We categorised participants¡¯ as ¡®Non-CAM¡¯; ¡®CAM¡¯; or ¡®combination¡¯ user. Cultural practices and beliefs in the efficacy of CAM resulted in widespread use of CAM. Most carers used CAM as ¡®complementary¡¯ to E-B medicine. Concerns about dependence on or side effects of E-B treatment influenced carers¡¯ decisions to rely on CAM as an ¡®alternative¡¯, with an important minority of accounts describing potentially harmful CAM-use. Healthcare professionals should discuss beliefs about the necessity for and concerns about use of both E-B medicine and CAM, and provide balanced information about effectiveness and safety. The aim is to improve adherence to regular E-B preventer medication and prevent delays in seeking medical advice and harmful practices associated with CAM
%U https://www.nature.com/articles/s41533-019-0118-x