Complementary and alternative medicine as preferable management of epilepsy among the population of Makkah City: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage is widespread. Epilepsy patients may believe in administering CAM as a therapy. However, evidence-based data about frequency, types, and drivers for CAM use are scarce. This study aimed at evaluating CAM as preferable management of epilepsy among the population of Makkah City. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study conducted In Makkah, involving adult patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with epilepsy using a survey questionnaire for 10 months in 2021. Results: Out of the screened patients, a total of 131 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria, (100%) agreed to participate in the study with a mean age (±SD) of 31.4 ± 12.3 years, and 76 (58%) patients were males. About 56.5% of the patients tried using any type of CAM. The most commonly used CAM types were religious healers (78.4%), followed by herbal (56.8%), cupping (33.8%), and acupuncture (33.8%). 52.7% reported that they had no benefit. In comparison, 28.4% reported feeling better and more relaxed, 17.6% experienced staying positive, 12.2% of patients had reduced symptoms or side effects, and 9.5% had more feeling of being in control. Most patients (86.5%) had no complications from CAM. No significant predictive factors were detected for the use of CAM as regards age, gender, education, employment, seizure frequency, and duration, in addition to a family history of epilepsy or usage or compliance to antiepileptic drugs. Conclusion: Almost half of the people with epilepsy used CAM, mainly through religious healers or herbal medicine. Half of them reported no benefit from CAM usage. Most of them had no complications.