Attitudes and Practices of Nursing Students Regarding Complementary and Supportive Practices

Abstract

This study aims to determine the attitudes and practices of nursing students regarding complementary and supportive practices. A cross-sectional research design was used to collect data. The study was conducted with 335 nursing students studying at a university in Turkey between July and August 2021. “Personal Information Form” and “Attitude Towards Using Complementary Treatments Scale” were used to collect study data. It was determined that 89.3% of the participants stated that they wanted complementary and supportive practices to be included in the nursing curriculum. 94.6% of the participants were considering using these practices while giving care in the future. Attitude towards using complementary and supportive practices scores were found to be 24.77±6.19. Attitude mean score of those who have a mother's education level at secondary school, who smoke, and who plan to use complementary and supportive practices for the patient group they will care for in the future were found to be higher (p<0.05). The attitude of the participants regarding using complementary and supportive practices is positive, and the mean score is at a moderate level. It is of great importance to increase the knowledge and awareness of students about such practices by including complementary and supportive practices in the nursing undergraduate curriculum.