The use of complementary and alternative therapies in Western Saudi Arabia

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.

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.

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).

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.