The Effect of Socio-Demographic and Cultural Features on Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Healthcare Students

Authors : Cagla YIGITBAS, Aliye BULUT

Pages : 370-376

Doi:10.16899/jcm.758719

View : 44 | Download : 13

Publication Date : 2020-09-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The aim of the research is to determine the impact of socio-demographic-cultural characteristics and educational background on the approach to Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) practices among healthcare students. Material and Methods: The research was designed as a quantitative and descriptive-cross-sectional study and carried out with health educated students from two different universities. Results: 59.4% of the participants reported using TCAM; 21.2% reported having experienced problems with the practices they applied, while 68.8% preferred this method to others. The variables of age, university, marital status, long-term location of residence, perceived income, chronic disease status, smoking, source of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine information, any problems following TCAM use and post- TCAM experience were found effective. Conclusion: TCAM training should be included in the education programs of students receiving health education so as to provide them with accurate information on the matter.
Keywords : Complementary therapies, alternative medicine, cultural characteristics, health education

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