ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
In
Saudi Arabia,
herbal medicine is an essential component of traditional
health practices, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for natural remedies. Despite widespread use, comprehensive data on
perceptions and utilization among
general practice patients are scarce. This study aims to elucidate the patterns of
herbal medicine use, associated
beliefs, and
communication with
healthcare professionals in this context.
METHODS:
A
cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online
questionnaire distributed through
social media and professional networks, targeting
adult residents of
Saudi Arabia. The
survey encompassed questions on demographic characteristics, use of
herbal medicine, reasons for use, sources of
herbal products,
perceptions of
efficacy and
safety, and discussions with
healthcare professionals about
herbal medicine usage.
RESULTS:
The
survey was completed by 1,184 participants, with 736 (62%)
reporting the use of
herbal medicines in the past 12 months. Among these users, the
age group 30-39 was most represented (328/1,184, 27.8%), while participants over 60 were the least (66/1,184, 5.6%).
Herbal medicines were primarily used for general wellness (332/736, 45%) and
treatment of specific ailments (221/736, 30%). The majority obtained their
herbal medicines from
pharmacies (427/736, 58%), and 294 (40% of users) used them as alternatives to prescribed medications. Only 259 (35% of
herbal medicine users) had discussed their usage with
healthcare professionals. Most users believed in the
safety (515/736, 70%) and
effectiveness (478/736, 65%) of
herbal remedies, with a significant portion (626/736, 85%) advocating for more scientific
research.
CONCLUSION:
This study reveals a significant engagement with and positive
perception of
herbal medicine among
general practice patients in
Saudi Arabia, alongside a notable gap in
communication between
patients and
healthcare providers. The findings highlight the need for integrating discussions on
herbal medicine into
patient care, encouraging evidence-based, safe use through better-informed
healthcare practices.
