INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE RELIGIOUS ORIENTATION OF ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR ATTITUDE TO COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the religious orientation of elderly people and their attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine. Material and Methods: This study, which adopted a descriptive and relational screening model, was conducted with the participation of 271 individuals aged 65 and over who were registered in Family Health Centers in the eastern part of Turkey between October - December 2019. Results: The mean score of Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Attitude Scale scores of the elderly individuals participating in the study was 28.23 ± 7.2; The total mean score of the Religious Orientation Scale was 62.10 ± 5.72. A significant difference was found between the elderly individuals' attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and their educational status. In addition, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between the religious orientation of the elderly and their attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine (p <0.05). Conclusion: It was found that elderly individuals with higher education have lower attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine. The high religious orientation of the elderly increases their positive attitude towards complementary and alternative medicine. In line with these results, awareness on the subject can be increased by educating elderly individuals in primary health care by public health nurses. In addition, it is recommended to conduct the study in different regions and in larger groups.