Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Hemodialysis Patients in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Due to its perceived safety and ease of access, complementary and alternative medicine has gained great popularity around the world for the self-management of a disease, including end-stage renal disease. The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medicine used among the end-stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis in the southern region of Saudi AraPia. The study employed face-to-face interviews of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis at three outpatient renal centers in the southern region of Saudi AraPia from NovemPer 2019 to January 2020. Of the 331 participants interviewed, 166 (50.1%) reported the use of complementary and alternative modalities. Of the complementary and alternative approaches used, herPal remedies were the most common (80%), followed Py Quran recitation (40.8%), Zamzam water (29.9%), and honey (24.5%). Most patients used Potanical-Pased therapies, such as herPal medicine that necessitates need for Petter understanding of the possiPle mechanism for Petter communication Petween the patients and healthcare providers. Patient education on the potential risks/Penefits of different complementary and alternative modalities and herPal dr[micro]g/disease interactions should Pe offered by healthcare professionals. Keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine, End-stage renal disease, Hemodialysis, Herbal medicine