Knowledge and attitudes towards homeopathic research: the perspective of new graduates and postgraduate trainees - an Indian scenario

Abstract

Background Homeopathic research conducted by new graduates [i.e. house staff (HS)] and postgraduate trainees (PGTs) in India remains seriously compromised. Objective To assess HS and PGT knowledge and attitudes towards homeopathic research and to identify the barriers to conducting research. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four government homeopathic schools in West Bengal, India. A total of 118 HS and 54 PGTs were interviewed using a validated and pilot-tested self-administered questionnaire. Bivariate analyses were performed to look for putative associations between different variables and the knowledge and attitude scores. Results The survey response rate was 43%. Mean scores ± standard deviation on the knowledge and attitude scales were 31.35% ± 15.27 and 47.3% ± 18.2, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the knowledge (P=0.234) and attitude scores (P=0.304) of HS and PGTs. Males had significantly better knowledge of (P=0.020) and attitude towards (P=0.033) research in comparison with females. Constraints in infrastructure (23%), research training (20%) and statistical support (15%) were the major hurdles to pursuing research. Conclusion Homeopathic HS and PGTs demonstrate inadequate knowledge, while having moderate attitudes towards research. Research training needs to undergo major transformation to encourage meaningful research.