Assessment of perception, experience, and information-seeking behavior of the Saudi people, toward usage and safety of complementary and alternative medicine.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (SA) leads the classification of the results of scientific research in integrated medicine among Arab countries according to the bibliometric analysis published in 2015. SA was 25%, followed by Egypt (16.8%) and Morocco (16.2%)( 9).This makes the study of alternative medicine in Saudi Arabia particularly important, as it will allow documentation of the impact of psychological, social, cultural and religious factors on health beliefs and behaviors. The aim of this study is to assess the Perception, Experience, and Information-seeking Behavior of the Public of Saudi people, Toward Usage and Safety of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study design conducted on the Saudi's people living in the Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, from 1st May to the end of Jun 2018. The study sample of this study was 500, they were chosen as convenient sample. It was done through self-administered pre-designed questionnaire.
Results
Of 500 individuals participating in the study,52.8%were females. (57%) of participants were 26-35 years old.Eighty-eight percent of participants did use CAM. Females were more to use CAM (92%)compared to (84%)among males. TV, Internet and Magazines were the most common source (56.8%)of information's about CAM. Honey was the most commonly used CAM (37.4%) followed by the dietary supplements (31%), vegetarian supplements (11.2%), cupping (9.4%).41%they did use CAM because they think its safe. Only Sixty-four percent discuss CAM using with doctors before. There was a significant relationship of participants monthly incomes to their CAM using (p-value <0.001).
Conclusion
There is a high prevalence and increased public interest in CAM use in the Riyadh city. Although there is a positive attitude towards CAM, population surveys should be encouraged supported by mass media and intense education to raise knowledge and awareness about the practice and safety of different CAM modalities. The national center of CAM should play a major role in these efforts.