Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Dermatology Outpatients: Results From a National Survey.
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the prevalence and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among dermatology patients in the Arab world. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitudes about CAM, prevalence of its use, reasons for its use, and types of CAM used in dermatology patients in Saudi Arabia.


METHODS
This was a national survey of various regions of Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, dermatology outpatients were interviewed using a questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, acceptability, utilization pattern, and reasons for CAM use were elicited. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was obtained.


RESULTS
Overall, 1901 patients returned complete questionnaires out of 2500 distributed (76% response rate). Of these, 808 (40%) were CAM users, and the majority were woman (55.1%), with a mean age of 31.6±12 years. Most were literate (71.2%) and just over half were married (51.9%). Patients with acute skin diseases were found to be more likely to use CAM (P=.027). The mean DLQI score was higher (worse quality of life) among CAM users than among nonusers (P=.002). The results showed that 315 of 801 (40%) and 250 of 601 (30%) CAM users agreed that CAM methods are safer and more effective than modern medicine, respectively, and 83% will continue to use CAM in future. The most commonly used CAM modalities were vitamins, prayers, natural products, and herbs. Responses indicated that 379 of 803 (47.2%) CAM users did not consult their doctor before using CAM, and 219 of 743 (30%) did not obtain sufficient answers regarding CAM use from their dermatologists.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a significant use of CAM among dermatology outpatients in Saudi Arabia. In view of the common belief that CAM has fewer side effects than conventional medicine, dermatologists need to increase their awareness of CAM.
Dermatology Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Vitiligo Research Chair, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia kmgderm@gmail.com.
Khalid M
KM
AlGhamdi
Vitiligo Research Chair, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Huma
H
Khurrum
Department of Dermatology, University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Sahar H
SH
Al-Natour
Department of Dermatology, Security Forces Hospital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Waleed
W
Alghamdi
Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Al-Imam University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Thamer
T
Mubki
Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia.
Abdulatif
A
Alzolibani
Department of Dermatology, Asir Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Dhafer Mohammed Y
DM
Hafez
Department of Dermatology, King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed
M
AlDraibi
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
Saudi Arabia; complementary and alternative medicine; dermatological conditions; dermatologists; dermatology outpatients; dermatology quality of life; herbs