Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Herbal Medicine Among Primary Health Clinic Attendees in Saudi Arabia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65759/hgkx8p62Keywords:
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Herbal Medicine, Primary Health ClinicAbstract
Background: Herbal medicine is widely used in Saudi Arabia. Gaps in awareness, disclosure, and safe practice still present in primary care. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding herbal medicine in primary health clinic attendees in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted including 436 adult primary health clinic attendees in Saudi Arabia using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to herbal medicine use. Data were analyzed using SPSS, categorical variables presented as frequencies and percentages. Associations between herbal medicine use and participant characteristics were tested using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: More than two thirds of participants used herbal medicine and 58.9% had used it during the past 12 months. Use was associated with gender, nationality, education, region, chronic disease, and regular medication use. Knowledge was variable with 80.3% knew that patients with chronic disease should consult healthcare providers, 69.3% knew herbs can cause side effects, and 63.1% knew they can interact with prescribed medications. Only 50.5% recognized bleeding risk with blood thinners. More than half supported regulation, 60.8% would stop herbal products if advised by a doctor, 22.5% never informed healthcare providers, 42.0% reported side effects. Conclusion: Herbal medicine use was common, with safety and disclosure gaps requiring primary care counseling.
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