Medical Students Knowledge and Perception Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Abstract

Objective The purpose of the study was to identify knowledge and perception of medical students regarding complementary and alternative medicine therapy (CAM). Background Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing field in medicine, which can be a useful resource to improve the quality of life. Medical students should be aware of these modalities available freely for the patient as over the counter medicine. Methods A cross- sectional survey based study carried out on 6th and 7th year medical students (clinical years). Data was collected on self-administered questionnaire in which core elements were divided-Knowledge and Perception about CAM and Knowledge regarding Herbs used as Pain Killer. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0). Data were expressed in frequencies, mean and percentages. Results Less than a half (44.9%) of the participants were 7th year and (55.1%) were 6th year students. Majority of the students (80.5%) were Omani 53 (45%) of study participants were below 25 years in age and 101 (85.6%) were female. No difference was observed between 6th and 7th year students (p-0.516, 95% CI-1.74-3.31), significant difference (p-0.009, 95% CI 1.25-8.44). Significant difference was observed (p-0.009, 95% CI-7.45-1.08) between Omani and non-Omani participants. Students possess adequate knowledge about CAM and positive approach in clinical practice but overall they have poor knowledge about herb as pain killer. Conclusion Students in clinical years have positive approach towards CAM and their knowledge is adequate in general but they have poor knowledge regarding herbs used as pain killer. Keywords: