Knowledge, experience and attitudes of pediatric nurses regarding the complementary and alternative medicine methods used BY parents for their children

The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess knowledge, experience and attitudes of pediatric nurses regarding the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods used by parents for their children. In order to conduct the study, one province with the highest population rate in Turkey was chosen according to TurkishStatistical Institute from each of the 12 regions in Turkey specified according to data of Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics 1. From each one of the specified provinces, one university hospital with the highest child bed capacity and a children's hospital or state hospital affiliated with the Ministry of Health were included in the study. The study was conducted with 1450 (71.3%) (Power analysis %98) nurses working at the pediatric services of the hospitals. Data of the study were collected by researchers and specified interviewers between June 2013 and February 2014 by using a questionnaire. In the study, it was determined that 98.1% of the pediatric nurses knew at least one CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) method and 90.6% used one or more CAM method(s) during their lifetimes. However, it was determined that the most common CAM methods that the nurses knew, used, and effectively benefitted were praying (96.3%), massage (91.3%), and vitamins (86.6%). It was reported that the most common sources which pediatric nurses obtain information about CAM methods were media and internet. In this study, 76.3% of the pediatric nurses did not agree with the statement "nurses are responsible for informing the patient about CAM methods", and 92.7% did not agree with the statement "it is unhealthy for individuals". It was also reported that 86.6% of pediatric nurses agreed with the statement "patients and their relatives become happy for using CAM methods", while 60.6% agreed with the statement "it should be restricted with laws and regulations". Nevertheless, it was determined that pediatric nurses had a positive attitude towards CAM methods. Approximately half of the pediatric nurses stated that they did not question CAM methods while taking history of patients and they were not informed about the CAM methods used by parents for their children. However, 40.2% of pediatric nurses indicated that they did recommend CAM methods to parents to use for their children. The CAM methods most frequently recommended by pediatric nurses to parents were praying (47.9%) and massage (46.1%). In this study, it was determined that pediatric nurses informed parents in case of their negative experiences regarding CAM methods, and they supported parents in case of their positive experiences. In parallel with the results obtained from the study, it is recommended for pediatrics nurses to organize courses and in-service training programs regarding CAM methods, involve them in nursing curriculum, create data collection forms involving CAM methods in clinics and concentrate more on the evidence-based research. Key Words: Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Pediatric Nurses, hild, Parents, Knowledge, Attitude.