The use of complementary and alternative medicine in Polish children with inflammatory bowel disease: single-centre survey-based study

Introduction
The paediatric population represents a substantial group of patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because IBD is a chronic condition, children and their parents are more willing to try complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). There has been no study on this subject in Poland. The aim of our study was to investigate the usage of CAM in children with IBD and parental attitudes towards them.

Material and methods
An anonymous survey was conducted among parents of children suffering from IBD. The questionnaire included socio-demographic data, medical history of the child, as well as the parental opinion on their knowledge and attitude towards CAM.

Results
Thirty-seven surveys were filled in. The mean patient and parent ages were, respectively, 14.0 ±3.2 years (range 5.4–17.9) and 40.2.2 ±5.1 years (range 25–49). The mean disease duration was 3.7 ±2.4 years. CAM was used in 32.4% of patients at any time. The most frequently used CAM treatments were fermented food (10.8%), linseed (10.8%), and a lactose-free diet (8.1%). 25% of CAM users declared a decrease in symptoms intensity/frequency, and 8.3% reported total symptom resolution. The most common sources of CAM information were the Internet (76.5%) and recommendations from relatives or acquaintances (35.3%); only 5.9% of responders indicated a healthcare provider. The only factors associated with using CAM therapies was family income and parental education level.

Conclusions
CAM is relatively common among children with IBD. It does not affect the attitude towards conventional treatment and vaccination. Because the main source of information about CAM is Internet, there is a great need to educate healthcare practitioners about CAM methods in the treatment of IBD, in order to deliver help and professional advice to paediatric patients and their parents.