Mohammed Fathi AlAfifi
M.F. AlAfifi, M. Sakka, M. Shehada, R. AlAfifi. Substance Abuse Research Center, Palestine
Background: Use of MC in Palestine Gaza and the West Bank is not legal. Recently, the medical use of (MC) has been repeatedly discussed among Palestinian medical professionals due to the reports of its use in a number of countries.
Methods: A qualitative study using six focus groups (n = 63) was conducted in the Gaza Strip explored the knowledge, and attitudes of doctors and nurses toward (MC use. A questionnaire of 11 open-ended questions was used. Participants were recruited purposively through face-to-face and telephone contact. Focus groups were conducted by a facilitator and co-facilitator, with audio recording and notes taken. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis (TA). Each focus group lasted on average 72 min (SD = 11).
Results: 87.3% of participants were Muslims, and 12.7% were Christians. 41.3% know about MC for use of medical conditions. 30.2% of the focus group participants agree to MC use. 22.2% would advise and encourage its inclusion training and health-related education curriculum. 22.2% encourage changing the legal state of the MC among Palestinians. However, 66.7% refused the idea of MC use except for purified active ingredients.
Conclusions: Muslim religion has a strong influence on Palestinian medical personnel attitudes towards MC use. Most of the participants have no or little knowledge of MC use. Evidence from this limited qualitative study points to the need of improving knowledge of MC use including its risks and benefits, and the legal implications of its use, based on evidence-based research for future use among Palestinian people.