Psychosocial correlates of using faith healing services in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Fahad D Alosaimi,Saleh Aldahash,Ibrahim Alfraih,Youssef Alshehri,Haifa Alkhuzayem,Haneen Al-Beeshi,Ayedh Alghamdi

doi:10.1186/1752-4458-9-8

Abstract

BackgroundIn this study, we compared the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the characteristics of those who either use or do not use faith healers (FHs) services. We also assessed the independent factors of study subjects associated with using FHs.MethodsThis cross-sectional study compared those who use FHs (n = 383) with a control group of those who do not use them (i.e., shopping mall visitors, n = 424) using a survey of sociodemographic characteristics and a validated Arabic version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 6.0).ResultsParticipants who ranked higher among FH users included males, people who were either married, divorced, or widowed, those with less education, and those with lower income. They were more likely to report past medical and psychiatric history. Those with diagnosable psychiatric disorders were more likely to visit FHs, especially if the diagnosis was of psychotic and bipolar disorders. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was higher among FH users, and depressive and anxiety disorders were the most prevalent.ConclusionsThe study showed that having past psychiatric history and a current psychiatric disorder are risk factors for using FHs. Also, a high percentage of FH users had a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Further research should assess how to facilitate their access to the mental health system.

Highlights

In this study, we compared the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the characteristics of those who either use or do not use faith healers (FHs) services
Higher proportions of FHs using were found in males (63.2%) and singles (46.2%)
The association between these sociodemographic characteristics of those using the FHs in comparison to the control group shows a high statistically significant association

Summary

Introduction

We compared the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the characteristics of those who either use or do not use faith healers (FHs) services. We assessed the independent factors of study subjects associated with using FHs. Traditional healers represent an undeniable source of care for people with psychiatric disorders in developing countries [1]. Traditional healers represent an undeniable source of care for people with psychiatric disorders in developing countries [1] Those who most utilize traditional healers are thought to be uneducated, poor, and lacking access to the health care system [2]. The prevailing belief system plays important roles in shaping the use of faith healing from people with psychiatric disorders [4]. Religion plays an important role in the lives of people in Saudi Arabia where Islam is the state religion.

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Results

Conclusion