Clinicians’ perspectives on complementary and alternative medicine use in headache care across Africa and West Asia: a cross-sectional survey
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Headache disorders impose a substantial burden across Africa and West Asia, where limited access to healthcare may increase reliance on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The current study explored clinicians’ perspectives on CAM use, safety concerns, and research needs across countries with different income status. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey of 123 neurologists and headache specialists with at least 5 years of experience in headache management from 37 countries was carried out. They were classified into Low/Lower-Middle Income Countries (LIC/LMIC) and Upper-Middle Income Countries/High Income Countries (UMIC/HIC) groups in accordance with the World Bank income classifications. Results Of 123 participants (median age 42 years; 50.4% males), 52.8% were from LICs/LMICs. Clinicians reported that CAMs were frequently used in both groups, and there was no significant difference in overall frequency of CAM use ( p = 0.116). Clinicians in both groups perceived migraine as the most common headache type for which patients used CAM. However, significant differences in CAM modalities were observed. Acupuncture (79.3% vs. 47.7%, p < 0.001), massage (86.2% vs. 63.1%, p = 0.004), yoga (56.9% vs. 20.0%, p < 0.001), and supplements (93.1% vs. 66.2%, p < 0.001) were reported by the clinicians as significantly higher in UMICs/HICs, whereas spiritual healing was significantly higher in LICs/LMICs (70.8% vs. 46.6%, p = 0.006). Clinicians reported that patients in LICs/LMICs were significantly more likely to consult CAM prior to seeking medical care (89.2% vs. 67.2%, p = 0.003), and perceived cost as a major factor influencing CAM use (81.5% vs. 27.6%, p < 0.001). Conclusion CAM appears to be commonly encountered in headache care across Africa and West Asia according to clinician reports. Although its use is shaped by cultural beliefs, accessibility, and perceived safety, concerns over unregulated products, herb-drug interactions, and delayed conventional medical treatments were also highlighted.
Source: Frontiers in Neurology
Authors: Amr Hassan, Freda Dodd-Glover, Rehab Magdy, Aynur Ӧzge, Derya Uludüz, Najib Kissani, Ahmed Allioueche, Aussan Al-Athwari, Emna Ellouz, Sounga Bandzouzi Prince Eliot Galieni, Mendinatou Agbetou, Kigocha Okeng'o, Daniel Gams Massi, Evelyne Diarra, Agbo Panzo Cedric, Chiamaka Edith Okereke, Wael Alwachi, Osheik Seidi, Kadira Abdi Aden, Augustina Charway-Felli, Foksouna Sakadi, John N. Jabang, Denis R. Shatima, Athanase Millogo, Magnerou Annick Melanie, Fatimata Hassane Djibo, Tiwonge Elisa Phiri, Jamal Barros Baco, Grenaba-Duval Lewis Reinier Joël, Frighton Mutete, Jasem Alhashel, Mansoureh Togha, Ammar Fayez Mubaidin, Sarkhan Amirguliyev, Abderrahmane Moulaye, Hana Kedah, Aya Alsayyad, Doaa M. khalil, Mona Hussein
Institutions: Cairo University, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, International Headache Society, Atlas Üniversitesi, Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique, University of Aden, University of Sfax, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, Marien Ngouabi University, Université de Parakou, Muhimbili National Hospital, University of Douala, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, University of Khartoum, 37 Military Hospital, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, National Hospital Abuja, National Hospital Niamey, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Hospital Center of Cova da Beira, University of Bangui, Kuwait University, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Health, Beni-Suef University
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7221725264