Knowledge, attitude and practice of Saudi citizens towards complementary and traditional medicine

Abstract

Background : The use of complementary and traditional medicine (C&TM) is rising among public around the world, and this epidemiological trend is attributed to diverse cultural belief systems. C&TM in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), like the rest of the world, is widely used among members of society. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) of Saudi citizens towards C&TM. Methods : A cross-sectional study enrolled a random sample of 1116 Saudi citizens from different regions of KSA during January, 2020. Their responses were recorded on a self-designed and self-administered structured questionnaire consists of 14 questions. Results : 48% of the studied subjects reported that they have knowledge of the treatments used in C&TM. Herbal remedy, cupping, cautery, roquia and therapeutic medical massage were the commonest therapies used in the following order. 52% of participants relied on family and friends as a source of C&TM information, followed by the internet, study, reading and social media. 87% of community members reported that they didn’t have confidence in everything that is published on social media about C&TM. 82% of participants support the opening of C&TM clinics in primary health care centers. 47% of the society believes that awareness and educational campaigns about C&TM treatments are weak. 64% confirmed that they or one of their family members previously used one of the C&TM treatments, while 60% do not consult a specialist or pharmacist before using any of these treatments. 46% believe that C&TM is safe and medically effective, with 87% of individuals who have previously used C&TM reporting that they have not experienced any complications while using complementary therapies. 50% of participants indicated that C&TM helped treat some incurable diseases, most important of which are strokes, infections, joint pain, sciatica, bone fractures, and mental illnesses. Conclusion : Overall, majority of participants showed good knowledge and favourable attitudes towards T&CM along with its good practice. They rely on family and friends as a source of information. They reported that C&TM helped treat some incurable diseases. T&CM needs its integration into conventional medicine along with mandatory awareness and educational campaigns to further improve their KAP.