Saudi women’s complementary alternative medicine practice and attitudes in superficial injuries first aids

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To detect Saudi women’s complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice and attitudes in superficial injuries first aids. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study included 500 women from Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect their socio-demographic characteristics, complementary and alternative medicine practice and attitude in superficial injuries first aids. Results: Most of the participants were young non-married women coming from middle regions. Burn and superficial cuts represented the commonest superficial injuries. Honey and medical herbs; myrrh were the commonly used CAM. Most participants agreed that CAM is available. Half of participants believed that CAM is safe that could be used without medical consultation. Conclusion: There is increased interest and positive attitudes toward CAM use among Saudi women, yet they are not aware about its interactions and side effects. Keywords: Complementary, Alternative medicine, Honey, Medical herbs, Attitude, Safety, Efficacy, female, Saudi Arabia