Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practice Among Saudi Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has significantly increased. However, statistics regarding CAM practices among patients with CKD in Saudi and worldwide are limited. Hence, this study aimed to explore the prevalence and types of CAM in Saudi patients with CKD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 315 patients, who were divided into CKD stages 3–4, CKD stage 5-hemodialysis, and kidney transplant with functioning allografts, by using a convenience sampling technique between September and December 2018. Next, they answered a self-administered questionnaire. The study outcomes were the prevalence of CAM, CAM types, reasons for using herbs, and the source of information about CAM. RESULTS: Overall, 54.9% of the study participants were current CAM users, of which 88.4% were herbal consumers. Patients with CKD stages 3–4 accounted for 87.3% of the CAM users, followed by those with CKD 5-hemodialysis (7.5%) and CKD-transplant recipients (5.2%). CAM practice was associated with monthly income (P = 0.021). Meanwhile, 79% of CAM users did not report their CAM practices to their primary physicians. Nigella sativa and parsley were the most commonly consumed herbs by CAM users [94 (61.4%) and 78 (51%), respectively]. CONCLUSION: CAM practice and herb consumption were highly prevalent among patients with CKD. Patients inadequately inform the primary physicians about their CAM practices. Therefore, healthcare providers are encouraged to inquire about these practices.