Perceptions of complementary/alternative medicine use and influence on evidence-based asthma medicine adherence in Malaysian children

Ramdzan, Siti Nurkamilla and Pinnock, Hilary and Liew, Su May and Sukri, Nursyuhada and Salim, Hani and Hanafi, Nik Sherina and Hussein, Norita and Suhaimi, Julia and Lee, Ping Yein and Cheong, Ai Theng and Ahad, Azainorsuzila Mohd and Cunningham, Steve and Khoo, Ee Ming (2019) Perceptions of complementary/alternative medicine use and influence on evidence-based asthma medicine adherence in Malaysian children. npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine, 29 (1). p. 5. ISSN 2055-1010, DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s41533-019-0118-x.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41533-019-0118-x

Abstract

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. © 2019, The Author(s).

Item Type: Article
Funders: UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords: Asthma; Child; Asthma action
Subjects: R Medicine
Divisions: Faculty of Medicine
Depositing User: Ms. Juhaida Abd Rahim
Date Deposited: 06 Feb 2020 01:13
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2020 01:13
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/23683

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