Parents' perceptions on the use of non-pharmacological therapies on children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore parents' perceptions on the use of non pharmacological therapies on children. The aim was achieved by looking at parents' perceptions on the use of non-pharmacological therapies, by identifying parents' perceived benefits of non-pharmacological therapies and by describing the misconceptions parents have on the use of such therapies on children. Data was collected through the use of a cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire consisting of both open and closed-ended questions. This research study was conducted in a Paediatric Outpatients department at a local general hospital. The sample which consisted of 30 Maltese parents, was selected by random sampling whilst they waited for their outpatient appointment. The response rate for this research study was 100%. Data was analyzed manually by the researcher. Open-ended questions were analyzed using response categories, whilst closed-ended questions were analyzed by using bar charts. Results from this study show that out of the 30 participants, 56% (n=l 7) use these therapies on their children whilst 44% (n=13) do not. Sixty-five percent (n=l 1) of those parents who use these therapies have discussed such therapies with their doctor I paediatrician prior to their usage. Parental usage of these therapies on their children correlated positively with parents' level of education and parental personal usage of these therapies. The most commonly used therapies include comforting children, by putting them on their lap and by putting them in a comfortable position (76%), deep breathing techniques and massage (35%) followed by humour and the use of music (29% ). On the other hand nutritional therapies, therapeutic touch and reiki are the least c01mnonly used non-pharmacological therapies (5%). This study also explored both the parents' perceived benefits and detriments of using these non-pharmacological therapies on children. Perceived benefits of using such therapies include: parents perceive that these therapies have no side-effects, these therapies relieve pain and stress, help the child relax, develop a bond between the parent and the child, improve the child's health status and prevent illnesses. On the other hand, misconceptions on the usage of these therapies include: the child is still young, never needed them, parents are afraid to use them and parents tend to do what the doctor suggests. Factors related to such misconceptions as well as the barriers encountered when using these therapies are also dealt with in this study. Nonetheless, since this was a small scale study no conclusions can be drawn and thus further research is needed both on parents' perceived benefits and misconceptions regarding these therapies as well as on the effectiveness of these methods. As a result of this study, limitations and recommendations for research, education and practice were suggested. Such recommendations include the need of developing continuous professional development courses for health care professionals on the use of these therapies both on children and on adults, since health care professionals are regarded as the primary source of information. In addition, further research which highlights both the benefits and detriments of such therapies is recommended in this research study.