Public Knowledge , Attitude and Practice of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Riyadh Region , Saudi Arabia

Elolemy , Ahmed Tawfik; AlBedah , Abdullah M. N.

doi:10.5001/omj.2012.04

Article Details

Public Knowledge , Attitude and Practice of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Riyadh Region , Saudi Arabia

Authors:

Elolemy , Ahmed Tawfik | AlBedah , Abdullah M. N.

Publisher:

Oman Medical Specialty Board

Main Topics:

Medicine

Journal:

Oman Medical Journal 2012 vol.27 Issue 1, pp.20-26

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2012

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

19097

Frequency:

Bi-Monthly

eISSN:

20705204

pISSN:

1999768X

DOI:

10.5001/omj.2012.04

Descriptors:

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Objectives: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) iswell established worldwide. The present work is aimed at studyingthe knowledge, attitude and practice of CAM by the people ofRiyadh region, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive household survey studyof the people living in Riyadh city, as well as the surroundinggovernorates. A multistage random sample was taken from1st January to the end of March 2010, with a total number of518 participants. Data were collected using a pre-designedquestionnaire through direct interview. The data was collectedased on socio-demography, as well as knowledge, attitude and practice of CAM.Results: Participants were nearly sex-matched, consisting ofapproximately 70% Saudi and 30% non-Saudis. About 89% ofthe participants had some knowledge of CAM. Mass media e.g.(T.V., newspapers and radio) and family, relatives and friendsrepresented the main sources of CAM knowledge, (46.5% and46.3% respectively). Nearly 85% of participants or one of theirfamily members has used some form of CAM before, and the mostcommon users of CAM practices were females, housewives, andilliterate subjects (or those who could just read and write), as wellas participants aged 60 years and above. Medical herbs (58.89%),prayer (54%), honey and bee products (54%), hijama (35.71%)and cauterization or medical massage therapy (22%) were thecommonly used CAM practices. Most participants agreed thatthere are needs for; CAM practices (93.8%), regulations for CAM94.9%), health education (96.6%), specialized centers (94.8%) andCAM clinics (92.7%). While only 8.3% of participants usuallydiscussed CAM with their physicians.Conclusion: There is a high prevalence and increased publicinterest in CAM use in the Riyadh region. There is a positiveattitude towards CAM, yet most participants are reluctant toshare and discuss CAM information with their physicians.

Article Details

Public Knowledge , Attitude and Practice of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Riyadh Region , Saudi Arabia

Authors:

Elolemy , Ahmed Tawfik | AlBedah , Abdullah M. N.

Publisher:

Oman Medical Specialty Board

Main Topics:

Medicine

Journal:

Oman Medical Journal 2012 vol.27 Issue 1, pp.20-26

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2012

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

19097

Frequency:

Bi-Monthly

eISSN:

20705204

pISSN:

1999768X

DOI:

10.5001/omj.2012.04

Descriptors:

HERBAL MEDICINE

ATTITUDES

KNOWLEDGE

DEMOGRAPHY

PHYSICIANS

SAUDI ARABIA

Complementary

Alternative medicine

Medical herbs

Body massage

Natural products

Prophetic medicine

Attitude

Safety

Efficacy

Saudi Arabia

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Elolemy , Ahmed Tawfik | AlBedah , Abdullah M. N.

Publisher: Oman Medical Specialty Board

Main Topics: Medicine

Journal: Oman Medical Journal 2012 vol.27 Issue 1, pp.20-26

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 1/2012

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 19097

Frequency: Bi-Monthly

eISSN: 20705204

pISSN: 1999768X

DOI: 10.5001/omj.2012.04

Descriptors:

Issues

Authors:

Elolemy , Ahmed Tawfik | AlBedah , Abdullah M. N.

Publisher:

Oman Medical Specialty Board

Main Topics:

Medicine

Journal:

Oman Medical Journal 2012 vol.27 Issue 1, pp.20-26

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2012

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

19097

Frequency:

Bi-Monthly

eISSN:

20705204

pISSN:

1999768X

DOI:

10.5001/omj.2012.04