Healthcare professionals' perception and practice of complementary and alternative medicine in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Over the last few decades, use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown in popularity, changing health professionals’ knowledge and attitude toward CAM, and the treatment recommended by them. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perception and practice of CAM among healthcare professionals.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare providers selected by multistage random sampling technique in two governmental hospitals and ten primary healthcare centers in two governorates in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. A web-based, self-administered questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms.

Results: A total of 350 physicians responded to the survey. Good basic knowledge about CAM was reported by 48.6% of the respondents; a positive attitude was adopted by 53%; and CAM was actively practiced by 9.7%. Being a physician > 40 years and consultant affiliation were significantly associated with higher knowledge level about CAM (p = 0.006 and 0.03, respectively), as well as having a proactive practice (p = 0.007 and 0.04, respectively). Practicing CAM was prevalent among non-Saudi and married physicians (p = 0.02 for both). Knowledge about CAM and its practice were strongly correlated (p = 0.007). The most frequent constraints facing CAM practice were lack of knowledge and training on CAM (81.4%) and lack of studies supporting CAM (74.3%).

Conclusions: The practices of health professionals in Qassim region need to be improved despite their expertise and favourable perception of CAM. Educational interventions could play greater roles in providing evidence-based CAM knowledge and enhancing training for physicians.