Abstract
Aim: Present study aimed to estimate knowledge, attitude, and awareness of allopathic physicians regarding herbal medicine in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia. Dispensing, prescribing, and use of herbal medicines have tremendously increased over the past few decades world-over, including Europe and the USA. Herbal drugs are claimed as safe but are reported to have serious adverse effects and drug interactions with allopathic medicines.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study, using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted with general practitioners and physicians in major hospitals, and primary healthcare centers in Arar, the main city of Northern Border Region. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 25.
Results: From 117 participants, 65% were female doctors, 32% were males, and 3% did not respond. General practitioners and rest specialists accounted for 40%; 84% of patients and 66% of doctors had used herbal medicine for some ailment. Some patients (43%) liked to discuss with their doctors about herbs, but doctors usually avoided. Many doctors (68%) knew that herbal medicines can produce adverse effects or drug interactions with allopathic medicines (60%).
Discussion: Herbal drugs are commonly consumed in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia and allopathic physicians of the region are mostly aware that herbs can cause adverse effects and drug interactions.