Knowledge and attitude of health professionals in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, toward complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine [CAM] is a popular treatment option for many populations. The present work is aimed at studying the knowledge and attitude of health professionals in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, toward CAM. In this cross-sectional survey, a multistage random sample was taken from health professionals working in hospitals in Riyadh city and surrounding governorates. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, from 306 health professionals working in 19 hospitals, on socio-demographic data, knowledge about CAM and their sources, and attitudes toward CAM practices. Of the participants, 88.9% had some knowledge about CAM. Respondents with a doctorate degree [94.74%] and 92.53% of those with a bachelor's degree had significantly higher knowledge of CAM than subjects with a diploma, a fellowship, or a master's degree [68.75%, 76.67%, and 85.41%, respectively, P = 0.004]. Mass media represented 60.1% of sources of the knowledge of CAM followed by family, relatives, and friends [29.08%] and health educational organizations [14.71%]. Participants estimated that prophetic medicine including prayer, honey and bee products, medical herbs, Hijama, nutrition and nutritional supplements, cauterization, and camel milk and urine were the most commonly used CAM practices [90.5%, 85%, 76.9%, 70.6%, 61.4%, 55.9%, and 52.5%, respectively] in addition to medical massage [61.8%] and acupuncture [55%]. One hundred and fifteen [80%] physicians were ready to talk with their patients on CAM. The willingness to improve knowledge and create a positive attitude in health professionals toward CAM has increased. Religious practices, especially those related to prophetic medicine, are more common in the region. Health educational organizations have to play a greater role by being the source of evidence-based knowledge of CAM. Talking on CAM with patients should be improved by rooting them on evidence-based practices

Use of the target group index survey to evaluate the cigarette smoking profile in Saudi Arabia

To draw a profile, and study the media habits for cigarette smokers in Saudi Arabia using the Target Group Index survey [TGI]. A household survey using the TGI sample was conducted in March 2008 in 21 cities in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 7003 individuals aged 15 years or more, male and females, living in town and cities, were randomly selected using the multistage sampling technique. One individual per household was interviewed using a structured questionnaire covering socio-economic profile, media exposure, and cigarette consumer information. The study was conducted in Arabian Center for Tobacco Control, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Cigarette smoking was 35.9% in males, and 2.3% in females. This was significantly higher in the age group 30-49 years compared with younger ages [p=0.001]. Among smokers, 22.3% were heavy smokers, 69.3% were using regular flavor cigarettes, and 22.4% tried to quit smoking but failed. The most common methods of quitting smoking were; nicotine gum [18.5%], hypnosis [14%], nicotine patch [8%], and acupuncture [3%]. Ninety-eight percent of the smokers watched TV daily, noticed mainly big outdoor ads, and 46% used the Internet daily. Favorite TV and radio channels, newspaper, magazine, and interesting topics for the smokers were recorded, and the main smoker profile was drawn. The TGI can be used to draw a smoker profile and identify different segments with the greatest opportunities to send anti-smoking messages

global youth tobacco survey - 2007. Comparison with the global youth tobacco survey 2001-2002 in Saudi Arabia

To primarily describe both smoking pattern in the youth population and a comparison with the Global Youth Tobacco Survey [GYTS] in 2001-2002. The standard 2-stage methodology and a cross-sectional design were used to select randomly a representative sample of intermediate schools, classes, and students from all regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from January to June 2007. Comparing results with the 2001 GYTS, the prevalence of ever and current smoking, use of other tobacco products, and initiation of smoking by never smokers in the next year increased among males, but with improvement in the students' knowledge and attitudes towards smokers. The second-hand tobacco smoke items were not distinguished, however, one or both parent smokers increased by 6% over 6 years. Media anti-smoking messages and awareness improved, however, the widespread display and proliferation of items with a cigarette brand logo on it, encourages participants to buy more cigarettes. Teaching hazards of smoking to students improved, however, the reasons why people of their age smoke were not discussed interactively. Females less than 18 years of age [minors] were not denied cigarette purchase compared to male participants of the same. The National Tobacco Control Programs is apparently working effectively but differentially against smoking. The program needs to be evaluated systematically and accordingly and intensified further to reduce smoking among youths in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia