knowledge, attitude and practice of public in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, about complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine [CAM] is well established all over the world. The present work aimed at studying knowledge, attitude and practice of people in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, about CAM. The study done as a cross-sectional survey study. A multistage random sample was taken from Riyadh city and surrounding governorates. The male to female ratio was equal. 70% of sample was Saudi and 30% was from other nationalities. The total number of participants was 518 persons. Data were collected using a predesigned questionnaire through direct interview. 88.8% of participants had knowledge about CAM. Females, housewives, students and jobless were more knowledgeable [p<0.05]. Mass media e.g. [T.V., newspapers and radio] and Family, relatives and friends represented the main sources of CAM knowledge [46.5% and 46.3%] respectively. 84.6% of participants or one of their family members has used some form of CAM before. Females, housewives, illiterate or just read and write and those aged 60 years and more were the main users of CAM practices. Medical herbs [58.89%], prayer [54%], honey and bee products [54%], hijama [35.71%] and cauterization or medical massage therapy [22%] were the commonly used CAM practices. Most participants agreed that there is need for; CAM practices [93.8%], regulations for CAM [94.9%], health education [96.6%], specialized centers [94 .8%] and CAM clinics [92.7%]. Participants agreed that CAM is cheap [74.5%], safe [86.9%] and effective [93.7%]. 8.3% of participants usually discuss CAM with their physicians especially females. There is a high prevalence and increased public interest in CAM use in Riyadh region. There is positive attitude towards CAM with need for special centers and clinics providing CAM practices. Most participants are reluctant to share and discuss CAM information with their physicians