Pattern of use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer patients in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

e19525 Background: Use of complementary alternative medicine CAM is prevalent among cancer patients in Saudi Arabia. However, there is yet no clear knowledge about the pattern and magnitude of use of CAM. This study explored that area. Methods: The subjects were adult cancer patients who attended the outpatient clinics at King Faisal cancer center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. They completed a validated questionnaire of six sections. In this abstract, we only present the data of the fourth section which enquires about the pattern of CAM use. Ingestion or topical application of therapeutic materials as well as recitation of prayers or attending spiritual sessions are all considered CAM. Results: 234 patients participated. Age range: 15-86, median: 40.5 y. Males were 61.5%. 12.4% lived in suburban areas. 41.5% had higher than high school education, and 76% had annual income less than $32,000. 53% of the studied population used CAM before starting conventional therapy, and 47% of them were actually on CAM while on conventional therapy. Honey, whether mixed with herbs or not, was the most commonly used (84% before and 86% after starting conventional therapy). 92% used the holly Quran recitation or Ruqia (Recitation of special prayers). 53 % went at least once to attend a session with a sheikh (spiritual/ religious healer), and 9% of the responding participants attended sessions to undo magic or expel jinn (possessing demon spirit). 92% of CAM users believed that conventional therapy is effective but wanted to try other possible options. Conclusions: Use of CAM is prevalent among cancer patients before starting and while on conventional therapy. Because of the religious nature of the society, attending spiritual healing sessions is very common. Since this study was done among patients who already had chosen to be treated by conventional therapy, the results may under estimate the prevalence of CAM use. A similar study in the community is recommended to include patients who do not seek conventional treatments.