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Ali HH, Alharbi SF, Iskandar RA, Mira GB, Yanogue AS, Alboualy EA. Perception and Use of Herbal Medicine in General Practice Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e56806. [PMID: 38654786 PMCID: PMC11036024 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Saudi Arabia, herbal medicine is an essential component of traditional health practices, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for natural remedies. Despite widespread use, comprehensive data on perceptions and utilization among general practice patients are scarce. This study aims to elucidate the patterns of herbal medicine use, associated beliefs, and communication with healthcare professionals in this context. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed through social media and professional networks, targeting adult residents of Saudi Arabia. The survey encompassed questions on demographic characteristics, use of herbal medicine, reasons for use, sources of herbal products, perceptions of efficacy and safety, and discussions with healthcare professionals about herbal medicine usage. RESULTS The survey was completed by 1,184 participants, with 736 (62%) reporting the use of herbal medicines in the past 12 months. Among these users, the age group 30-39 was most represented (328/1,184, 27.8%), while participants over 60 were the least (66/1,184, 5.6%). Herbal medicines were primarily used for general wellness (332/736, 45%) and treatment of specific ailments (221/736, 30%). The majority obtained their herbal medicines from pharmacies (427/736, 58%), and 294 (40% of users) used them as alternatives to prescribed medications. Only 259 (35% of herbal medicine users) had discussed their usage with healthcare professionals. Most users believed in the safety (515/736, 70%) and effectiveness (478/736, 65%) of herbal remedies, with a significant portion (626/736, 85%) advocating for more scientific research. CONCLUSION This study reveals a significant engagement with and positive perception of herbal medicine among general practice patients in Saudi Arabia, alongside a notable gap in communication between patients and healthcare providers. The findings highlight the need for integrating discussions on herbal medicine into patient care, encouraging evidence-based, safe use through better-informed healthcare practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba H Ali
- General Practice, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, SAU
| | | | | | - Ghazal B Mira
- College of Medicine, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, SAU
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Naja F, Abbas N, Khaleel S, Zeb F, Osaili TAH, Obaid RS, Faris M, Radwan H, Ismail LC, Hassan H, Hashim M, AlZubaidi H. Beyond pillbox: a national cross-sectional study on the attitudes, practices, and knowledge of community pharmacists regarding complementary and alternative medicine. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:107. [PMID: 38418995 PMCID: PMC10902973 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to promote the safe and effective use of complementary and alternative medicine, their potential role remains largely untapped. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine products among community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates and explore the correlates of knowledge in the study sample. METHODS Using a stratified random sampling frame, a national survey of community pharmacists was conducted in the United Arab Emirates. In a face-to-face interaction, participants completed a multi-component questionnaire consisting of four sections: sociodemographic and general characteristics; knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine products and usage; attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and practices related to complementary and alternative medicine. Based on participants' answers, scores were calculated with higher scores indicating more positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices. RESULTS 373 community pharmacists participated in the study (response rate: 83%). For the knowledge questions, more than 50% of community pharmacists correctly answered the functions of complementary and alternative medicine, however lower percentages were noted for the side effects and drug interactions questions. Most community pharmacists had positive attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine, except for particular aspects such as efficacy, where 40% agreed that complementary and alternative medicine is only effective in treating minor complaints. As for practices, while more than 70% of participants counseled patients on complementary and alternative medicine use, only 47% reported the toxic effects when encountered. Multiple linear regressions showed that community pharmacists working in independent pharmacies, those with fewer years of experience, and those who did not receive complementary and alternative medicine education during their academic degree had lower knowledge scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study showed that community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates have good knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine functions and generally positive attitudes and practices, with few gaps identified in each. Together, these findings provide critical evidence for the development of targeted interventions to promote the role of community pharmacists towards safe and effective complementary and alternative medicine use in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Naja
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O.Box 110236, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nada Abbas
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sharfa Khaleel
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Falak Zeb
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tareq A H Osaili
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Reyad Shaker Obaid
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - MoezAlIslam Faris
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hadia Radwan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haydar Hassan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Hashim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamzah AlZubaidi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- School of Medicine, Deakin Rural Health, Deakin University Faculty of Health, Warrnambool, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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Attar M, Jastania EI, Mgarry R, Alshaikh H, Alsinnari YM, Bukhari ZM, Alqarni MS, Abed SS. Public Use of Complementary Medicine for Children in Saudi Arabia: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e46689. [PMID: 37942378 PMCID: PMC10629656 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing among adults and children. Extensive data is available regarding the pattern and frequency of CAM used in adults in Saudi Arabia, but limited data is available for children. This study aims to examine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice about the use of CAM in the pediatric population in Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study on the use of CAM in children was carried out in the general population of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected by non-probability consecutive sampling technique through an online-based questionnaire from 132 participants. In addition, data analysis was done using IBM's Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The data collected consisted of socio-demographic details, knowledge, attitude, and practice of CAM in children. RESULTS CAM was reported in all 132 participants (100%), with 45% (N=59) using it without informing their physicians. The mean age of the children was 17 months old, 55.3% (N=73) children were males, and 44.7% (N=59) were females. The most common form of CAM used was herbal medicine, 91% (N=120), while alternative medicine was used in 16.7% (N=12) of the children. Honey was the most used herb (68.2%, N=90), followed by anise (65.2%, N=86), Zamzam water (holy water) (59.1%, N=78), and olive oil (56.8%, N=75). CONCLUSIONS The use of CAM is very common for children in the general population of Saudi Arabia, with herbal medication being the most common. This constitutes a dire need to regulate this field and provide enough information for the public and health care practitioners to provide the best health care. In addition, future awareness campaigns are needed to bridge the communication gap between parents and physicians and provide better information about the benefits and safety of CAM use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meshari Attar
- Internal Medicine, Al-Mandiq General Hospital, Albaha, SAU
- Emergency Medicine, Al Makhwah General Hospital, Al Makhwah, SAU
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Essam I Jastania
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Security Forces Hospital - Makkah, Mecca, SAU
| | - Rayan Mgarry
- Family Medicine, Yanbu General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Yanbu, SAU
| | - Hassan Alshaikh
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Yaser M Alsinnari
- Internal Medicine, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz National Guard Hospital, Madinah, SAU
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ziad M Bukhari
- Ophthalmology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Mohammed S Alqarni
- Internal Medicine, National Guard Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Sara S Abed
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
- Research and Development, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, SAU
- Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU
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Almakadma AH, De Vol A, Alabdaljabar MS, Aldosari S, Muhsen I, AlFreihi O, Kurdi A, Almadi M, Alsohaibani F. Complementary and alternative medicine use and its association with medication adherence in inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal diseases. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:233-239. [PMID: 37282444 PMCID: PMC10445501 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_468_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) has been embedded in populations for decades. In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of their usage among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and their association with adherence to conventional therapies. Methods In this cross sectional, survey-based study, IBD patients' (n=226) adherence and compliance were evaluated using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8. A control sample of 227 patients with other gastrointestinal diseases was included to compare trends of CAM use. Results Crohn's disease represented 66.4% of those with IBD, with a mean age of 35 ± 13.0 years (54% males). The control group had either chronic viral hepatitis B, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Celiac disease, or other non-IBD diseases, with a mean age of 43.5 ± 16.8 years (55% males). Overall, 49% of patients reported using CAMs (54% in IBD group and 43% in the non-IBD group, P =0.024). Across both groups, the most used CAMs were honey (28%) and Zamzam water (19%). There was no significant association between the severity of the illness and use of CAMs. Patients who used CAMs had a lower adherence to conventional therapies vs. those who did not use CAMs (39% vs. 23%, P =0.038). Using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8, low adherence to medications was reported in 35% of the IBD group vs. 11% of non-IBD group (P = 0.01). Conclusion In our population, patients with IBD are more likely to use CAMs and are less adherent to medications. Furthermore, the use of CAMs was associated with a lower adherence rate to conventional therapies. Consequently, further studies assessing the causes associated with the use of CAMs and nonadherence to conventional therapies should be explored and interventions designed to mitigate nonadherence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah Aldosari
- Department of General Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Muhsen
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Omar AlFreihi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amr Kurdi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital,Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Almadi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Alsohaibani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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A Status Review on Health-Promoting Properties and Global Regulation of Essential Oils. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041809. [PMID: 36838797 PMCID: PMC9968027 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Since ancient times, essential oils (EOs) have been known for their therapeutic potential against many health issues. Recent studies suggest that EOs may contribute to the regulation and modulation of various biomarkers and cellular pathways responsible for metabolic health as well as the development of many diseases, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bacterial infections. During metabolic dysfunction and even infections, the immune system becomes compromised and releases pro-inflammatory cytokines that lead to serious health consequences. The bioactive compounds present in EOs (especially terpenoids and phenylpropanoids) with different chemical compositions from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants confer protection against these metabolic and infectious diseases through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In this review, we have highlighted some targeted physiological and cellular actions through which EOs may exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In addition, it has been observed that EOs from specific plant sources may play a significant role in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, microbial infections, and increasing breast milk production, along with improvements in heart, liver, and brain health. The current status of the bioactive activities of EOs and their therapeutic effects are covered in this review. However, with respect to the health benefits of EOs, it is very important to regulate the dose and usage of EOs to reduce their adverse health effects. Therefore, we specified that some countries have their own regulatory bodies while others follow WHO and FAO standards and legislation for the use of EOs.
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Alzayer R, Almansour HA, Basheti I, Chaar B, Al Aloola N, Saini B. Asthma patients in Saudi Arabia - preferences, health beliefs and experiences that shape asthma management. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2022; 27:877-893. [PMID: 32931314 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2020.1817868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of Saudi participants in managing their asthma and their perspectives about using future pharmacy-based services for asthma management. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult Saudis with asthma or those who were a carer of a child with asthma. Participants were recruited from medical practices and community centres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Verbatim transcribed interviews were inductively analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Twenty-three Saudi participants with asthma or caring for those with asthma took part in interviews which lasted on average for 25 min. Most participants did not have well-controlled asthma. Thematic analyses of the interview transcripts highlighted four key emergent themes: participants experience of asthma, participants' beliefs and perceptions about health and medicines, perception of health professionals and advocacy and social support. Many participants expressed an emotional burden in their lived experience of asthma. Lack of self-management skills were evident in participants' reluctance to make decisions in emergency situations. Some participants had strong beliefs about using herbal medicines rather than western medicines. Using social media or consulting with their family members with asthma was a common preference, rather than consulting healthcare professionals. Participants' were rather unclear about pharmacy asthma care services and reported not having experienced such services in their pharmacies. CONCLUSION Inadequate self-management behaviours may affect the level of asthma control in people with asthma in Saudi Arabia. Improved primary care models with extensive focus on asthma education are needed to relieve the over-reliance on tertiary care help-seeking models that are currently the norm. Current evidence-based information also needs to be prepared in patient friendly formats and disseminated widely. Community pharmacists would need to be trained and skilled inpatient engagement and would have to win the public trust for viable asthma services provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Alzayer
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Hadi A Almansour
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Iman Basheti
- Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Betty Chaar
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Noha Al Aloola
- College of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandana Saini
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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Kebede EB, Tan J, Iftikhar S, Abu Lebdeh HS, Duggirala MK, Ghosh AK, Croghan IT, Jenkins SM, Mahapatra S, Bauer BA, Wahner-Roedler DL. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use by Patients From the Gulf Region Seen in the International Practice of a Tertiary Care Medical Center. Glob Adv Health Med 2021; 10:21649561211010129. [PMID: 33996270 PMCID: PMC8076768 DOI: 10.1177/21649561211010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients from various countries may have unique patterns of using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and unique reasons for using it. Objective Our objective was to assess the use of CAM among patients from the Gulf region attending the Executive and International Health Program of the Department of General Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Methods This cross-sectional survey was administered to all patients who were from the Gulf region and were undergoing outpatient evaluation in the Executive and International Health Program. After their initial medical evaluation by a physician, the patients were invited to anonymously complete the modified International Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire. Results The survey was completed by 69 patients (41 women, 27 men; mean age, 45.4 years). The most frequently seen providers for CAM treatments were physicians (71.0% of patients), spiritual healers (29.0%), and chiropractors (20.3%). CAM treatments most frequently received from a physician were massage therapy (51.0%), hijama (38.8%), spiritual healing (24.5%), and acupuncture or herbs (16.3%). The most frequently used dietary supplements were ginger (42.0%), bee products (30.4%), and garlic (27.5%). The most common self-help therapies were prayers for health (68.1%), meditation (15.9%), and relaxation techniques (11.6%). CAM therapy, including visits to CAM providers, was used by 92.8% of patients. CAM was mainly used to improve well-being and long-term health conditions rather than for acute illnesses. Conclusion The use of CAM was high among our patients from the Gulf region, and the CAM therapies used by this population differed from the ones used by US patients. Physicians providing care to patients from the Gulf region should be aware of how the use of CAM may affect the care needs of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esayas B Kebede
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Judy Tan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Salma Iftikhar
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Haitham S Abu Lebdeh
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Murali K Duggirala
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Amit K Ghosh
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ivana T Croghan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Sarah M Jenkins
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Saswati Mahapatra
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Brent A Bauer
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Alazmi AS, Alhamad J. Attitudes and practices of complementary and alternative medicine among patients attending primary care center in Saudi Arabia: A prospective cross-sectional study. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 9:5177-5182. [PMID: 33409184 PMCID: PMC7773103 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_871_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and objectives Estimated complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage in Saudi Arabia is 70%. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) regulates the license-based practices of various CAM modalities including procedures, herbs, and devices. As an aid to help primary care physicians for understanding CAM practices among general population, this study aimed to explore the prevalence of CAM along with its most common modality, and to understand attitude and practices among patients attending primary care center in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 literate patients aged more than 18 years, coming to the primary care center for regular check-up from 1st April 2019 to 1st April 2020 Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire. Results Around 44.5% participants had practiced one method of alternative medicine in their life. Majority of participants who attended primary care centers belonged to the age group of 18-39 years (71.1%). The most common used method of alternative medicine was honey healing. More than half of the study participants had heard about the CAM from their family and friends. Nearly 45.7% had stated that the CAM cannot be used without consulting a medical professional. Nearly 3/4th population used it for treating up to 3 ailments. Conclusion Use of alternative medicine was found to be prevalent in Riyadh. Family and friends were recognized as gatekeepers for propagating information about CAM usage in the society. Primary healthcare physicians need to be trained on prevalent practices of CAM to understand the societal needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal S Alazmi
- Family Medicine Center, Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamal Alhamad
- Family Medicine Center, Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Aboushanab T, Baslom S. A new official national regulations for complementary medicine practices in Saudi Arabia. Integr Med Res 2020; 10:100472. [PMID: 33117651 PMCID: PMC7581918 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2020.100472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Aboushanab
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Baslom
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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