Awareness, attitude and practice of outpatient clinics attendants in Ain Shams & Benha University hospitals towards cupping therapy (al-hijama)

Abstract

Background: Many research studies were conducted regarding cupping therapy in different countries but the extent of its use and awareness of public towards it has not been widely studied in Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on outpatient clinics attendants in Ain Shams University hospitals and Benha University hospitals during the period from May to August 2015. An interview questionnaire was used inquiring about socio-demographic characteristics of participants, their awareness, attitude and practice regarding cupping therapy. Results: A total of 900 participants were included in this study; 750 from Ain Shams University hospitals and 150 from Benha University hospitals. Out of them, 68.1% had heard about cupping therapy, among those who heard about it 16% reported history of using it before. The most common cause of using it was for treatment of bone and joint disorders. About 60% of participants think that it helps in treatment and about 47% trust it. There was statistically significant association between awareness and all demographic factors (like age, gender, marital status, education, residence and presence of chronic diseases) measured in this study. Gender and marital status were the only demographic factors associated with practicing cupping therapy. Conclusion: Complementary and alternative medicine is gaining popularity all over the world and people are shifting towards alternative medicine because of less adverse effects and low cost. Most of study participants think that cupping therapy helps in treatment and about half of them trust it. Recommendations: There is a need for health care providers to be aware of this practice and make efforts in obtaining information about modalities used.