Conocimientos y actitudes sobre la acupuntura en médicos de hospitales y servicios públicos del Ecuador

Abstract

ObjectiveTo identify the knowledge and attitudes about acupuncture in physicians linked to public hospitals in central Ecuador. MethodA quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, multicentre study was conducted with a total population of 289 physicians. The study was performed in several hospitals, although the older population belongs to the General Polyclinic Hospital of Riobamba. ParticipantsRural, general and specialist physicians. Pre- and post-graduate students were excluded. ResultsThe theoretical foundations of acupuncture are unknown by 72% of physicians, although 53% of them are aware of acupuncture therapy, and 59% have a good attitude to undergo acupuncture treatment. The referring of patients to acupuncture services is only 33%. Acceptance for teaching these fundamentals is shared by 54% of physicians. ConclusionsThere is a basic level of knowledge by physicians about the meaning of acupuncture, but not about its theoretical foundations. In addition they show a positive attitude to accepting acupuncture therapies and the inclusion of these studies in the medical curricula. A negative attitude persists for referral of patients to acupuncture therapies.