Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers Toward Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Medical and Nonmedical University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The recognition of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly growing worldwide. Positive attitudes toward using CAM may reflect an evidence-based understanding and awareness of its common uses and potential abuses, facilitating its sound integration into the society for positive results. This study aimed to identify the level of knowledge, practices, and barriers associated with the use of CAM among medical and nonmedical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2023 and July 2023 involving a sample group of medical and nonmedical students from King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. A total of 341 students completed the survey. Approximately 53.4% of the participants were medical and 46.6% were nonmedical students. Herbal medicine was the most used among medical students (21%) followed by aromatherapy (12%) and chiropractic (11%), while the most used CAM among nonmedical students was spiritual healing/Quran (19%). The prevalence of good knowledge is higher in medical students compared to nonmedical students in some CAM modalities. In addition, the results show that there are no significant differences in attitudes toward CAM among medical and nonmedical students. Respondents from both groups were keen on gaining more knowledge about all the CAM modalities. It is important to utilize the data from this study for enhancing curricula in university programs and promoting education and practice related to CAM.