Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior of Medical Faculty Students about Traditional and Complementary

Abstract

Purpose: The use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) methods is gradually increasing in the world and in our country. This study was carried out to determine the knowledge, attitude and behavior of medical faculty students, who are future physician candidates. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 825 out of 912 students in Fırat University Faculty of Medicine were reached (90,4%). The research data were collected by the direct observation of the questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic characteristics, questions about the knowledge and usage of TCM methods, and the Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Attitude Scale (HCAMQ). Results: 52,1% of the students are women and the average age is 21,57 ± 0,08 years. Massage, acupuncture and vitamins were found to be the methods that students learned the most about TCM applications. Among the sources of information about TCM methods, internet comes first and media comes second. 22,1% of the students used any of the TCM methods. 50,1% of the students are undecided about the benefit of TCM and 53,1% think that it should be included in the medical education curriculum. 59,4% of the students want to receive training on TCM methods. While 47,8% of those who use TCM methods find it useful, 4,4% find it unhelpful (p <0,05). The total point average of the students in HCAMQ was determined as 32,7 ± 0,17. Those who used TCM methods showed a more positive attitude towards TCM applications than those who did not (p <0,05). Conclusion: Although students lack knowledge about TCM methods, their attitudes are positive. It is important for the medical faculty students, who are the future physician candidates, to reach the right information in order to be trained as individuals who will both apply TCM and provide information.