Knowledge and Perception of Pharmacy Students about Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Findings from a Malaysian Public University

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the knowledge, perception and attitude of pharmacy students towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Methods This is a cross-sectional study design which was conducted as a classroom survey in 2013. All the pharmacy students (n=400) studying in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) were recruited. The study instrument was designed on the basis of previously published studies and was subjected to face validity and content validity. Cronbach alpha was found to be 0.85. Data was entered into PASW version 20 and descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results A response rate of 71.2% was achieved. Out of 285 respondents, 79(26.3%) were male, while 206 (68.7%) respondents were female. Overall, the highest correct response for knowledge item was on the drug interaction of herbal medicines and digoxin which was answered correctly by less than half of the students (n=110: 38.6%). In terms of perception, almost half of the respondents disagree that CAM use is unsafe (n=122; 42.8%). This was found to be statistically significant with respect to gender (p=0.007). In evaluating attitudes towards CAM, slightly less than half of the respondents agreed to use CAM therapies for minor ailments (n=142; 47.3%). Many of them agreed to use CAM therapies for their health and well-being (n=179; 59.7%). Respondents were not sure whether they use CAM with or without conventional medicines for their minor ailments (n=121; 40.3%). Conclusion The findings identified that pharmacy students do not have adequate knowledge on CAM . On the contrary, they perceived CAM positively. Their attitudes towards CAM were found to be neutral. It is suggested to integrate CAM as core curriculum subject in pharmacy discipline to equip the student with good knowledge. This will enable the students to counsel patients on common herbal medicine that they might encounter as pharmacist