“Use of Talbinah (Barley Broth) as a pattern of depression management among Saudi Female Medical Students”, Nahlaa A. Khalifa
Dr. Nahlaa A. Khalifa
King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
Purpose: Depression prevalence and antidepressant medication usage have recently increased. This paper aims to study the effect of Talbinah (barley broth) as a prophetic evidence-based complementary medicine on depression, and to emphasise the importance of combining private and public Medicare in managing depression.
Design: A randomised clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of Talbinah consumption on depression on a sample of 42 female medical students. Self-administered questionnaires were used. The intervention group was given one serving of Talbinah on a daily basis in addition to their usual diet.
Findings: The depression score decreased in the intervention group (score 5 8.69 6 6.53) compared to the non-intervention group (13.3 6 8.1), although the difference is insignificant.
Research Limitations: Advanced diagnostic approaches are needed to detect depression. Participants must be in a closed setting to control their food intake.
Practical Implications: Public-private Medicare collaboration and using diet in managing depression to reduce the use, cost and the side effects of antidepressant medication.
Originality/Value: The study has significant importance in broadening the scope of giving more attention for managing mental diseases, which come in parallel with sustainable development goal (3): Ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all at all ages.
Keywords: Talbinah; depression; barley; complementary; evidence-based; mental
