Prevalence and predictors of using complementary and alternative medicine among diabetic patients in Taif city, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has the second-highest rate of diabetes in the Middle East. Herbal treatment is the most used complementary and alternative therapy among Saudi diabetic patients. Little is known about the use of complementary and alternative medicine among diabetic patients who reside in Taif city.

This study evaluated the magnitude and correlates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among diabetic patients attending diabetic clinics and primary healthcare in two governmental hospitals, namely, Prince Mansour Military Hospital (PMMH) and National Gourd Hospital (NGH) in Taif city.

CAM prevalence was 33.7%, of whom 87.3% did not consult a doctor before use and 43.2% had more than one source of information while 62.7% used more than one CAM method. Around 49.2% reported that it is very useful, and 72.9% did not notice any side effect from its use. In addition, 47.5% would recommend CAM to other diabetic patients. All (100%) reported using bitter apple, 66.1% reported using cinnamon, 55.1% used ginger, 35.6% took fenugreek, and 21.2% reported using Garlic as an only CAM. Female gender, family history, diabetic complications, and longer duration of diabetes were associated with the increased use of CAM.

CAM use by diabetic patients in Taif is prevalent. Health education and the safe use of CAM is much needed. Appropriate efforts from the government to integrate CAM into conventional diabetes treatment should be considered.