Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Urinary Tract Illnesses in Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Prevalence, Practices, and Perceptions 2025
Supervisor Name
Rasha Khayyat
Supervisor Email
rasha.khayyat@najah.edu
University
An-Najah National Univeristy
Research field
Medical Sciences
Bio
Rasha Khayyat, Ph.D., is a microbiologist and virologist with a pharmacy background. During her Ph.D. research at the University of Paris-Saclay, she specialized in studying rotavirus, focusing on its interaction with host cells and entry mechanisms. Since 2010, Dr. Khayyat has been an assistant professor at An-Najah National University’s Faculty of Medicine and Allied Medical Sciences in Nablus, Palestine. She teaches virology and microbiology to undergraduate and graduate students while also supervising medical students and master's candidates in their research. As a researcher, she has co-authored several original papers and is skilled in proposal writing and project submissions. Dr. Khayyat has held various administrative roles at An-Najah National University. She has led the Division of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, supervised the International Federation for Medical Students Associations (IFMSA-Nablus), and directed the scholarship office, managing Erasmus Mundus and Erasmus+ mobility projects. In her role as the Research Unit Director, she facilitated collaborations and oversaw research initiatives. Currently, she coordinates academic cooperation with international partners, focusing on the follow-up and implementation of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at the university level and chairing the public relations committee at the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Medical Sciences. Additionally, she coordinates the Medical Sciences Research Unit at the University Scientific Centers. Beyond academia, Dr. Khayyat actively contributes to Palestinian society. She participated in organizations like the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees (PARC) and the Palestinian Forum for Medical Research (PFMR). As a founding member of the Palestinian Graduates from France Association “Al-Rafic,” she served on its board for two terms, fostering connections between Palestinian and French professionals.
Urinary tract illnesses such as infections, kidney stones, and bladder disorders are common health problems that affect patients’ quality of life. While conventional treatments like antibiotics remain the standard approach, many individuals increasingly use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage their symptoms. This study aims to assess the prevalence, types, and perceived effectiveness of CAM therapies among patients with urinary tract illnesses in Nablus, Palestine. Using a structured questionnaire, data will be collected from patients attending urology clinics to explore usage patterns, influencing factors, and attitudes toward CAM. The findings will help improve understanding of patient preferences and support the integration of culturally sensitive CAM practices into modern healthcare.
