title: Psychosocial correlates of using faith healing services in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a comparative cross-sectional study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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. We also assessed the independent factors of study subjects associated with using FHs.
  
  
  METHODS
  This 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).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 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.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University, P.O. Box 7805, Riyadh, 11472 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors: Fahad D
authors: FD
authors: Alosaimi
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Prince Sultan Medical Military City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Youssef
authors: Y
authors: Alshehri
authors: Psychiatry Resident, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Ibrahim
authors: I
authors: Alfraih
authors: Psychiatry Resident, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Ayedh
authors: A
authors: Alghamdi
authors: Psychiatry Resident, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Saleh
authors: S
authors: Aldahash
authors: Psychiatry Resident, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Haifa
authors: H
authors: Alkhuzayem
authors: Psychiatry Resident, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Haneen
authors: H
authors: Al-Beeshi
keywords: Faith healing; Prevalence; Psychiatric disorders; Psychosocial correlates; Saudi Arabia