Prevalence , Patterns and Parental Awareness of Traditional Medicine Use in Pediatric Care in Tobruk , Libya

Abstract

Background: Traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) use in pediatric care is widespread globally, yet contemporary data on usage patterns and parental awareness of associated risks remain limited.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of traditional medicine used for children, identify common conditions treated, examine motivating factors for guardians' choices, and assess parental health awareness—particularly regarding safety perceptions and the potential risk of delayed conventional medical consultation.

Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 278 guardians of children aged 0–12 years in Tobruk, Libya, using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze prevalence, treatment types, conditions, motivating factors, and health awareness variables.

Results: The prevalence of traditional medicine use was 97.5% (271/278). Herbal remedies were the most common modality (41.3%), followed by oil therapy (20.3%) and honey (17.3%). Cough (36.9%), infantile colic (14.4%), and diarrhea (14.0%) were the predominant conditions treated. Parental/family advice (41.3%) and belief in efficacy (37.3%) were the primary motivators. While 77.1% consulted a physician prior to use and 83.8% perceived clinical improvement, a significant paradox emerged: 93.7% believed traditional medicine is safe for children, yet 87.5% acknowledged it may delay necessary medical consultation. Only 30.6% intended future use, and 90.0% expressed need for further education on safe usage.

Conclusions: Traditional medicine use is nearly universal in this population for common acute pediatric illnesses. The widespread belief in inherent safety, coupled with awareness of potential care delays, represents a critical public health challenge. The high receptivity to education (90.0%) offers an actionable opportunity for culturally tailored interventions promoting safe, integrated pediatric care.