Trends in Paediatric Melatonin Use: A Triangulation of Caregiver Perspectives and Pharmacist Practices in Australia

Abstract

The overall aim of this master’s thesis is to explore the current trends and perspectives around the use of melatonin-containing products for sleep promotion in children and adolescents. Chapter 1 provides a broad overview of the key concepts and principles upon which the current body of research has been built. Chapter 2 presents an analysis of the available literature on how caregivers' perspectives around paediatric melatonin use, as shaped by their illness and medication-related beliefs, treatment experiences and preferences, have been captured by researchers to date. It establishes the theoretical basis for guiding the research questions and study design of the empirical work included in Chapter 4 of this thesis. Chapter 3 describes the theoretical underpinnings of the research methods used in Chapters 2 (scoping review) and 4 (qualitative data analysis using concepts drawn from the Contrasting Perspectives Model and Framework Approach). Chapter 4 consists of an empirical body of research involving semi-structured interviews conducted with consumers (caregivers) and providers (community pharmacists) of paediatric melatonin products. Chapter 5 brings together the findings from the preceding chapters for an overarching discussion framed in the context of current practices around melatonin use in paediatric sleep medicine. Methodological considerations and future directions for research focused on paediatric melatonin use are also discussed. Collectively, findings from the body of research in this master’s thesis bring forth a greater insight into how caregivers’ lived experiences as a proxy for their child’s health needs should be integrated and translated into the establishment of standards around the use of melatonin in children and adolescents with complaints of disturbed sleep.