Herbal medicines: Saudi population knowledge, attitude, and practice at a glance

Herbal medicines are widely used in many countries in preventing and treating health disorders. In this study, a multiregional cross-sectional survey, a random sample of 809 adults from Saudi Arabia and territories were used to explore the participants’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the use of tradition medicines in Saudi society. Data were collected through direct simple observation, interviews, and structured questionnaires. Observations were made and interviews conducted in public places such as markets and popular schools. The questionnaire included data on sociodemographic such as age and gender and was drafted with optional questions and predefined answer. Data were collected from May 1(st) to the end of July 2014. Most of the respondents were female (85%). Approximately 70% of participants were found to be highly knowledgeable about the use of herbal medicine. The study found that 88.4% of the respondents stated to have used herbal medicines and 84.3% were interested in traditional recipes. Most of the participants used it for therapeutic reason (88.7%), with a successful effectiveness of 61.2%. In addition, the study found that 48.2% of the participants were taking information from friends and 76% stated that they do not trust the published information in commercial channels. Statistical analysis showed an association between the perception and the demographic data, with an increase in the use of herbal medicines. Because of the increased use of herbal medicine in Saudi Arabia facilitated by perceptions and attitudes of the population, it is important to ensure standardization, stability, and quality control of the use of medicine in Saudi Arabia.