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COMPARISON BETWEEN SURGEONS AND INTERNISTS REGARDING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND USE OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM) IN EASTERN SAUDI ARABIA

Mahdi M. Almuhanna , Ahmed M. Al-Essa , Amani M. Alkhalifah , Hassan A. AlWtayyan , Hussain A. Alramadhan , Ali Z. Alkhodor , Mohammed H. Al-Halal , Mohammed H. Alelaiw , Yousef A. Al-Hawaj , Ahmed H. Alsultan , Fatimah I. Alkhamis , Eslam S. Almarhoun , Ahmed S. Almarhoun

Background: Comprehension towards the concept of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is variable globally, however it is progressing. It has been defined as group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Using CAM is popular as an adjuvant with medical treatment or separately among patients. Physicians'' attitude and using of CAM are controversial. Unfortunately, using CAM is associated with undesirable side effect, such as interaction with prescribed drugs. Also, various news in developed countries show even life-threatening adverse effects. Objective: To assess Knowledge, attitude, influences and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Eastern Saudi Arabia among surgeons and internist and to compare between both. Methods: Cross-sectional study by considering 200 physicians as sample from deferent hospital in Eastern province in Saudi Arabia which has been chosen randomly. Self-administrated questionnaire was made as per previous study with minimal modifications. Demographic data were included. The other questions to assess knowledge, believes and factor influencing attitude and believes regarding CAM. Direct question for the likelihood of recommending CAM for patients. Results: Response rate is 72.5, 73 surgeons (50.3%) and 72 internists (49.7%). Overall, no significant deference regarding knowledge between surgeons and internists as P value > 0.05 except for hypnosis (P value < 0.05). No significant deference in believes between both surgeons and internists (P value > 0.05). No significant deference regarding influencing of these factors between surgeons and internists as P value > 0.05 except for university training, Attitudes of Lecturers & Tutors, and Media (P value < 0.05). Around 54% of surgeons will recommend CAM to patients and 55.6% of internists will do with no significant deference between them (P value > 0.05). Conclusion: In general, Knowledge, attitude, influences and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among surgeons and internists in Eastern Saudi Arabia are variable. Overall, no significant deference between them with some exceptions. Keywords: Complementary and Alternative Medicine; CAM; Surgeons; internists; Eastern Saudi Arabia

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