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Research ArticleOriginal Article
Open Access

The use of complementary and alternative therapies in Western Saudi Arabia

Mohammed M. Jan, Mohammed S. Basamh, Omar M. Bahassan and Ali A. Jamal-Allail
Saudi Medical Journal May 2009, 30 (5) 682-686;
Mohammed M. Jan
Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, PO Box 80215, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +996 (2) 6401000 Ext. 20208. Fax. +996 (2) 6403975. E-mail: [email protected]
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Mohammed S. Basamh
Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, PO Box 80215, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +996 (2) 6401000 Ext. 20208. Fax. +996 (2) 6403975. E-mail: [email protected]
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Omar M. Bahassan
Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, PO Box 80215, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +996 (2) 6401000 Ext. 20208. Fax. +996 (2) 6403975. E-mail: [email protected]
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Ali A. Jamal-Allail
Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, PO Box 80215, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +996 (2) 6401000 Ext. 20208. Fax. +996 (2) 6403975. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) in our region, particularly for children with chronic conditions, and explore contributing factors to their use.

METHODS: A prospective random sample of mothers visiting the out patient department of King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were identified from the 1st of June, 2006 to the 31st of May, 2008. A survey using a structured 50-item questionnaire was used to examine their demographics, child's medical problem, and the use of CAT.

RESULTS: Seventy-nine mothers were interviewed, and their child's condition was acute in 47%, chronic, or recurrent in 53%, and treatable in 84%. Neurological complaints were reported in 25%. Thirty-three (42%) families used CAT in their child, mostly (57%) before seeking medical help. Religious and spiritual healing was used in 82%, oral, or topical preparations or herbs in 30%, and physical interventions in 21%. Factors associated with using CAT included child's age <1 year (p=0.008), less than high school education of the fathers (p=0.01), chronic medical condition (p=0.00008) or neurological disorder (p=0009), and positive family history of using CAT (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Many parents refer to CAT typically before seeking medical help. Pediatricians should counsel and caution parents regarding the lack of studies demonstrating efficacy and safety of CAT in young children.

  • Copyright: © Saudi Medical Journal

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Saudi Medical Journal: 30 (5)
Saudi Medical Journal
Vol. 30, Issue 5
1 May 2009
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The use of complementary and alternative therapies in Western Saudi Arabia
Mohammed M. Jan, Mohammed S. Basamh, Omar M. Bahassan, Ali A. Jamal-Allail
Saudi Medical Journal May 2009, 30 (5) 682-686;

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The use of complementary and alternative therapies in Western Saudi Arabia
Mohammed M. Jan, Mohammed S. Basamh, Omar M. Bahassan, Ali A. Jamal-Allail
Saudi Medical Journal May 2009, 30 (5) 682-686;
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© 2025 Saudi Medical Journal Saudi Medical Journal is copyright under the Berne Convention and the International Copyright Convention.  Saudi Medical Journal is an Open Access journal and articles published are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License (CC BY-NC). Readers may copy, distribute, and display the work for non-commercial purposes with the proper citation of the original work. Electronic ISSN 1658-3175. Print ISSN 0379-5284.

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