Use of traditional medicine in the population attending a children’s hospital in the City of Buenos Aires

Abstract

Introduction. Several studies have reported on the widespread use of traditional medicine (TM) in different countries. Pediatricians receive scarce training in this field. Objective. To describe the characteristics of TM used by patients attending a children’s hospital in the City of Buenos Aires. Population and methods. Qualitative design based on grounded theory. Interview with caregivers of children aged 0-11 years. Results.Thirtypeoplefromdifferentcommunities were interviewed, mostly homemakers. Almost all referred having used TM. The most common source of recommendation was the family. In general, TM use precedes the visit to a physician in the health system. TM is used to manage conditions defined by conventional medicine, but also to treat folk illnesses such as Simeon’s disease, evil eye, and indigestion. Therapeutic practices include plant-based preparations, infusions, broths, as well as other rituals performed by folk healers. All users had a positive opinion about TM. Most interviewees considered that physicians should know and ask about TM. All participants referred that its use had not been addressed in prior visits. Conclusions. TM spreads as knowledge and/ or practice across the studied population and is part of everyday life. TM methods vary greatly, as well as the conditions for which it is used; the main reasons for use included gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. It is not addressed in pediatric visits, but users wish it was.