Abstract:

Introduction: People frequently use these methods to increase the quality of life, reduce the symptoms and side effects of drugs, provide physical and psychological comfort, and strengthen the immune system. Social diagnosis-treatment, beliefs, and practices during the COVID-19 outbreak were also affected. In this process, it is thought that people from all cultures use traditional treatment methods, especially medicinal herbal applications, within the scope of complementary practices and measures, and they also use these practices for their children. Aim: To determine the traditional complementary alternative treatment methods that families use to protect and improve the health of their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: The research is a descriptive type. The research data were collected through the Google form using the " Socio-demographic Information Form" created by the researchers. The form consists of Socio-demographic data, questions about the COVID-19 pandemic, and questions to determine the GETAT methods used by families before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive analyzes of the data were made. Results: In the study, 88.4% of the parents were female and 52% were university graduates. On the other hand, 38.4% of their children are between the ages of 7-13 and 51% of them are boys. It was determined that 76.7% of family members learned knowledge about coronavirus and pandemic processes mostly from television. While the rate of those who did use GETAT methods to protect health and strengthen immunity for children before COVID-19 was 38.9%, it was observed that this rate was 92.5% during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was determined that 99.9% of the parents used drugs that strengthen the immune system, fish oil and drugs containing vitamins for their children in this process. In addition, it was observed that 31.8% of the families used vinegar, 31.5% honey and its products, and 24.5% some foods and plants such as linden. Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that the parents used GETAT methods more in the COVID-19 pandemic and they paid more attention to children’s hygiene and healthy nutrition. Also, it was observed that parents used GETAT methods consisting of some foods and herbs for their children. In this context, it is recommended that the healthcare team provide education and consultancy services to parents through technological tools to protect and improve the health of their children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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