Should CAM and CAM Training Programs Be Included in the Curriculum of Schools That Provide Health Education?

Abstract

Objectives:This study aimed to determine the knowledge levels and attitudes of School of Health and Vocational School of Health students toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).Methods:Three hundred thirty-three (333) students studying at the Mehmet Akif Ersoy University School of Health and the Golhisar Vocational School of Health in Burdur, Turkey, were included in the study. Research data were collected by using a survey method based on the expressed opinions of the participants.Results:Of the participants, 69.7% were female and 97% were single (unmarried). Of cigarette users and those with chronic illnesses, 46.8% and 47.8%, respectively, used CAM. Those using CAM were statistically more likely to be female (P < 0.021), to have higher grades (P < 0.007), to be single (P < 0.005), to be vocational school of health graduates (P < 0.008), and to have fathers at work (P < 0.021). While 9.6% of the students thought CAM to be nonsense, 10.8% thought that the methods of CAM should be tried before consulting a doctor.Conclusion:A majority of the students in the study population were found to use complementary and alternative medicine, but that they lacked information about its methods. As a way to address this, CAM should be included in the curriculum of schools that provide health education, and CAM training programs should be given to healthcare professionals to improve their knowledge of CAM. In Turkey, many more studies should be performed to determine nurses’ and doctors’ knowledge of and attitudes about CAM methods so that they can give correct guidance to society and take more active responsibility in improving patient safety.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the General Public of Western Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…However, a study conducted in Turkey showed no significant relationship between the level of education and herbal product consumption [18]. Contrary to that, another study done on breast cancer patients showed those with higher levels of education are more likely to use herbal products [19].…”

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“…In our study, the overall attitude of participants toward and interest in learning about CAM practices was generally positive with graduating seniors recording higher scores than pre-health professions students. Zimmerman in Germany [3,15,27,28]. They all reported overall positive attitudes toward CAM, although there were differences between students in different majors.…”

“…They all reported that most students had positive attitudes towards CAM, were interested in training in CAM practices, and were open to using or recommending CAM methods to their patients in their future professional lives. Studies on the use of, attitude toward, and knowledge of CAM in general student populations or health professional students from around the world paint a picture of great diversity shaped by cultural and societal factors [3,[15][16][17]. For example, a study surveying university students in Atlanta (USA), New Delhi (India), and Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) found that the use of whole medical systems, such as ayurveda and homeopathy, was more prevalent among the students in New Dehli [3].…”

Findings from a three-round Delphi study: essential topics for interprofessional training on complementary and integrative medicine

“…To implement complementary medicine into patient care, it is important that all of the professionals involved are well-informed and have a uniform basic knowledge of complementary medicine. The majority of the health professionals perceive their knowledge as low and they do not feel able to advise patients appropriately [ 12 – 15 ]. They also express their interest in integrating complementary medicine content into their undergraduate studies [ 16 , 17 ] and the need to learn more about the roles of other health professionals in providing CIM [ 18 , 19 ].…”