Alqahtani YA, Shati AA, Alalyani RT, Alolah TA, Alshahrani MA, Asiri GB, Alneami AM, Asiri FM, Abumilha SK, Alshahrani AS. Awareness and Attitude of Parents and Caregivers Regarding Harmful Traditional Medical Practices Towards Children in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia.
Int J Gen Med 2023;
16:4515-4524. [PMID:
37814640 PMCID:
PMC10560473 DOI:
10.2147/ijgm.s426943]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Traditional medicine has potential benefits, but distinguishing safe from risky procedures is crucial for safeguarding children's health. Harmful practices in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia, deeply rooted in cultural heritage, require scrutiny of parental attitudes and awareness.
Aim
The study aims to investigate and analyze the awareness, attitudes, and associated factors contributing to Harmful Traditional Medical Practices towards children in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia.
Methodology
This study employed a cross-sectional design, using an online survey to collect data via a structured questionnaire developed from an extensive literature review on harmful traditional child medical practices in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia.
Results
The study found that most respondents were aged 41-49 years (42.4%), lived in cities (77%), had at least an undergraduate degree (50.1%), and favored traditional medicine (55.9%). Common traditional medicine choices included "Herbs" (28.4%) and "Belly massage" (27.6%). Age significantly affected treatment preferences, while "Place of Resident" and "Education Level" hinted at potential differences. Personal experiences (37.2%) and family networks (31.4%) were key sources of information. Logistic regression analysis uncovered intricate links between sociodemographic and traditional medicine practices. Respondents' views on "Awareness", "Effectiveness", and "Complications" demonstrated notable statistical significance, influencing parents' and caregivers' perspectives in the study.
Conclusion
The study's outcomes underscore the imperative for heightened awareness and education concerning the potential hazards and complications tied to harmful traditional medical practices among parents and caregivers in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia, particularly with regard to their children's well-being. The evident inclination towards traditional medicine, reliance on personal experiences and familial networks for healthcare insights, and reservations regarding contemporary medical approaches underline the significance of addressing cultural beliefs.
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