Knowledge of and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine amongst Turkish nursing students
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of the Nursing School Students on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Gulhane Military Medical Academy Nursing School during March/April 2010. The sociodemographic characteristics of participants and their knowledge and attitudes towards CAM were collected by using a structured questionnaire developed by researchers.
Results: Out of a total of 354 students, only 91.2% of those students (n=323) participated in the study. The sources of information were stated as television and radio 80.3% (n=265), internet 69.0% (n=223), newspapers and magazines 68.1% (n=220), friends 48.6% (n=157), and books 32.5% (n=105) by participants. While the mostly known first three CAM practices were hypnosis (59.4%), prayer (58.5%), and herbal therapies (52.6%), those which were stated as most effective were massage (81.4%), herbal therapies (69.3%), and prayer (56.0%). Almost five out of six students (82.7%, n=267) stated that CAM therapies should be included into their curriculum. The distribution of the responses for the item, “Complementary therapies are a threat to public health” had statistically significant difference between the classes (p < 0.001). The first year, second year and third year class students had more positive attitude for CAM than the fourth year class students.
Conclusions: It is suggested that the lectures on CAM practices should be included into the curriculum of the nursing students who are enthusiastic about learning them which will have a positive impact on their education and training.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Gulhane Military Medical Academy Nursing School during March/April 2010. The sociodemographic characteristics of participants and their knowledge and attitudes towards CAM were collected by using a structured questionnaire developed by researchers.
Results: Out of a total of 354 students, only 91.2% of those students (n=323) participated in the study. The sources of information were stated as television and radio 80.3% (n=265), internet 69.0% (n=223), newspapers and magazines 68.1% (n=220), friends 48.6% (n=157), and books 32.5% (n=105) by participants. While the mostly known first three CAM practices were hypnosis (59.4%), prayer (58.5%), and herbal therapies (52.6%), those which were stated as most effective were massage (81.4%), herbal therapies (69.3%), and prayer (56.0%). Almost five out of six students (82.7%, n=267) stated that CAM therapies should be included into their curriculum. The distribution of the responses for the item, “Complementary therapies are a threat to public health” had statistically significant difference between the classes (p < 0.001). The first year, second year and third year class students had more positive attitude for CAM than the fourth year class students.
Conclusions: It is suggested that the lectures on CAM practices should be included into the curriculum of the nursing students who are enthusiastic about learning them which will have a positive impact on their education and training.
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