comparing the prevalence of mental disorders in both FH users and non-users, and to assess the independent factors of people who visit FHs
Faith healers (FHs) use religious-based practices to cure their patients of physical and psychiatric problems. Also, most people seek the help of FHs before turning to modern medicine. Therefore, this study aimed at comparing the prevalence of mental disorders in both FH users and non-users, and to assess the independent factors of people who visit FHs.
The methods involved a sample of 383 FH visitors and a control group of 424 individuals aged 18 years or older. Moreover, faith healing settings and shopping malls in Riyadh served as the sampling region. Questionnaires assessed the age, sex, marital status, education, and monthly income data. Besides, data analysis involved obtaining descriptive statistics and measuring associations between categorical variables.
Results indicated that higher proportions of FH users were males (63%) and singles (46%). Furthermore, the illiterate and those with primary level education were more likely to use FHs (Odds ratio 18. 8 and 3.0, respectively). Of all the disorders common among FH users, depression and anxiety were the most prevalent. In conclusion, this study showed that having a current or historical psychiatric disorder were factors associated with FH use. However, the study also recommended further research to help frequent FH visitors to access medical health care.