Norah A Al-Rowais1. 1. Department of Family & Community Medicine (34), College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. nrowais@ksu.edu.sa
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The use of herbs is common among diabetics. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of the use of herbs among diabetics and which herbs are used. Additionally, to investigate the effect of some demographic characteristics on the use of such herbs. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted on diabetic patients attending the outpatient clinics in 4 major hospitals in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These were: King Khalid University Hospital, King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Prince Salman Hospital and Riyadh Medical Complex over a 3-month period which started in September 1999. Patients were interviewed by trained medical students through a predesigned questionnaire that contains items that are related to diabetes and the use of herbs by diabetics. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety six diabetic patients out of 300 were interviewed giving a response rate of 98.6%. Fifty-one subjects (17.4%) reported using some form of herbs. The commonest herbs used were myrrh, black seed, helteet, fenugreek and aloes. Approximately 73% of herbs users did not inform their doctor regarding their use of herbs. No statistically significant relationship existed between demographic characteristics and the use of herbs. CONCLUSION: The use of herbs is not rare among diabetic patients. Doctors caring for diabetic patients should encourage them to talk regarding the use of herbs as it may effect the outcome and the management of their disease.
OBJECTIVES: The use of herbs is common among diabetics. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of the use of herbs among diabetics and which herbs are used. Additionally, to investigate the effect of some demographic characteristics on the use of such herbs. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted on diabeticpatients attending the outpatient clinics in 4 major hospitals in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These were: King Khalid University Hospital, King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Prince Salman Hospital and Riyadh Medical Complex over a 3-month period which started in September 1999. Patients were interviewed by trained medical students through a predesigned questionnaire that contains items that are related to diabetes and the use of herbs by diabetics. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety six diabeticpatients out of 300 were interviewed giving a response rate of 98.6%. Fifty-one subjects (17.4%) reported using some form of herbs. The commonest herbs used were myrrh, black seed, helteet, fenugreek and aloes. Approximately 73% of herbs users did not inform their doctor regarding their use of herbs. No statistically significant relationship existed between demographic characteristics and the use of herbs. CONCLUSION: The use of herbs is not rare among diabeticpatients. Doctors caring for diabeticpatients should encourage them to talk regarding the use of herbs as it may effect the outcome and the management of their disease.
Authors: Sandra J Winter; Abby C King; Randall S Stafford; Marilyn A Winkleby; William L Haskell; John W Farquhar Journal: Transl Behav Med Date: 2011-06 Impact factor: 3.046
Authors: Ibrahim A Al Mofleh; Abdulqader A Alhaider; Jaber S Mossa; Mohammed O Al-Sohaibani; Mohammed A Al-Yahya; Syed Rafatullah; Shaffi A Shaik Journal: Saudi J Gastroenterol Date: 2008-07 Impact factor: 2.485