COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY PATIENTS

IN WEST JAVA

Dea Aprilianti, Sindy Amalia Febrianti, Nur Melani Sari, Nur Suryawan, Susi Susanah
Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran/ Dr. Hasan Sadikin
Bandung General Hospital, Indonesia

OBJECTIVE:
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is mostly used due to accessibility which may
be strongly associated with traditional belief and knowledge systems. In some cases, it
contributes to the delay of appropriate management in developing countries. We aim to explore
the parent's knowledge of CAM practice in pediatric oncology patients in West Java and
demographic factors as its preference factor.

METHOD:
This was a cross-sectional study on pediatric oncology patients treated in Dr. Hasan Sadikin
General Hospital with consecutive sampling throughout July-August 2022. We described the
characteristic of patients, knowledge, and attitude of parents toward CAM based on a guided
questionnaire developed by local experts from published literature. Patients characteristic was
classify based on sex, age group, and diagnosis. Chi2 statistical analysis was used to identify
correlation of parent's demographic factors with CAM preference.

RESULT:
Total samples was 100 children, consist of 52 % boys. The most prevalent age group was 0–4
years old (43%). Non solid tumor was found in 71% (n= 71) children. As 78% child was
diagnosed with oncology problem for more than 12 months. There were 13 patients use
complementary and alternative medicine with 7/13 use after diagnosed with oncology problem.
As 92% parents got information from other parents regarding CAM. Herbal medicine was
chosen in 38% children followed by massage, spiritual approach, and combination of those
methods. Most of parents knew that CAM can react with conventional medicine that was
consumed by their children but the parents consider CAM to increase general condition of their
children. A half of parents (53%) did not tell the pediatrician of using alternative medicine.
Warning was given from a half pediatrician to the parents. There is no association of
demographic profile and complementary and alternative medicine preference (p >0.05).

CONCLUSION:
The different knowledge and attitude toward CAM in pediatric oncology contributes into delayed
of appropriate management. Complementary and alternative medicine preference is lower
compared to other low middle income country (13% [n= 13]).