How safe is Autheem therapy for young Saudi infants? A question worth asking

Abstract

Background: In Saudi Arabia, a traditional therapy for a folk labeled problem known as “Autheem – ” is often offered to infants. The procedure involves manipulating an infant’s soft palate to alleviate pain associated with infant colic and poor feeding. However, concerns remain about this procedure’s impact on infant health and its potential to transmit infections. This study focused on perceptions that Saudi mothers hold about Autheem therapy. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted via an online platform to reach Saudi mothers in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. Results: Five hundred and thirty-six Saudi mothers participated; half were older than 30 years of age. Despite a high rate of college degree attainment, the majority of mothers relied on their elders as a source of information (88.4%). Autheem was viewed to be a stand-alone disease by 86.5% of respondents; 71.4% believed it could not be treated with modern medicine. Most infants were under six months of age when they received Autheem therapy (72%). Roughly 13% of mothers found that their infant had a fever after the therapy; we found an association between Autheem therapy and viral illnesses. About 13% of mothers altered their child’s vaccination schedule after Autheem therapy. Conclusion: Older mothers have more positive attitudes towards and stronger beliefs in Autheem therapy than younger mothers. The therapy’s strong association with viral illnesses and its negative impact on vaccination schedules are major public health concerns.

Keywords

• autheem therapy
• infant colic
• saudi arabia
• soft palate