Complementary and alternative medicine use among pediatric oncology patients in a tertiary care center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

e20003 Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among children with cancer is well established in the literatures world-wide. However, no data is available on the use of CAM among pediatric oncology patients in Saudi Arabia. This study aims at determining the prevalence and pattern of CAM use in this population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study which included pediatric cancer patients (up to age 14 years) who are treated at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An interview-administered questionnaire was used. Demographic data, disease profile, details of CAM use and informing the treating physician about CAM use were obtained. Results: Of the 41 participating patients, 30 were males (73.2%) and 11 were females (26.8%). 40 patients were Saudi (97.6%). Median age at diagnosis was 4.4 years (0.1-13.4). There were 28 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (66.7%), lymphoma 7 patients (16.7%), and solid tumors 7 patients (16.7%). Parents of 25 patients (61%) thought that the cause of the disease was “envy” by others. All patients used non-dietary CAM like Quran Recitation and Rugya and 36 patients (87.8%) used Duaa (supplication). Dietary supplements (DS) were used by 39 patients (95%) including honey in 30 patients (73%), Black Seed in 25 patients (61%), olive oil (external use) in 28 patients (68%), Zamzam water in 31 patients (76%), water with Quran recited on it in 20 patients (48.8%), and different herbal mixtures in 12 patients (29%). All parents believed that CAM helps in cure. Comfort and piece from CAM use were perceived by 33 patients (80.5%), increase activity in 12 patients (29%), decrease pain intensity in 9 patients (22%) and increase immunity in 8 patients (19.5%). Physicians were informed about CAM use by 26 patients (63.4%) and parents decided to delay medical treatment while using CAM in 3 patients (7.3%). Conclusions: Our study revealed that CAM is widely used among pediatric oncology patients following their spiritual beliefs as well as traditional dietary habits highlighting the need for physicians’ awareness and counseling when appropriate.