Use of homeopathy and consultation with alternative medicine practitioners. Results of a German birth cohort study (LISA) at the age of 2 years

Background. Complementary alternative medicine (CAM) is very common. We planned to define the frequency of use of homeopathy and of alternative medicine practitioner (Heilpraktiker) visits in a population of 2 year old children, and to characterise the families using homeopathy and visiting alternative medicine practitioners. Methods. A multicentre, prospective birth cohort study (LISA) (n=3,097) was analysed at the age of 2 years. Questionnaire information on health parameters and environmental factors was collected twice a year from birth until the age of 2 years. Results. In the second year of life, 28% of children were treated homoeopathically. In the preceding 6 months 4.5% of children had visited an alternative medicine practitioner. Homeopathy was used more frequently for otitis media, eczema, airway and allergic conditions and when the parents were atopic, older, better educated and non-smokers. Alternative medicine practitioner visits were more frequent for food allergies and eczema. Both groups were vaccinated less often. Conclusions. CAM and alternative medicine practitioner visits are an important part of the health care of 2 year old children and are associated with lower vaccination rates.