Determination of Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors towards Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Patients Applying to Pamukkale University Medical Faculty Hospital Polyclinics

Abstract

The aim of research was to investigate the attitudes and behaviors towards traditional and complementary medicine methods, the use of which has increased in recent years, in individuals admitted to the hospital. Material-Method: The descriptive study was performed by applying a questionnaire to 276 people. The questionnaire included questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about traditional complementary medicine methods, and the Complementary, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine Attitude Scale. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 15. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskall-Wallis H tests were used in the comparison of traditional and complementary medicine attitudes and behaviors with sociodemographic characteristics. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: 33% of respondents had applied at least one traditional complementary medicine method. The most commonly used methods were cupping (n=40), phytotherapy (n=34) and acupuncture (n=17). The mean score of scale was found to be 109.05±15.44. The mean score of the individuals aged 45 and over is higher than the other ages and is 102.7±17.2 (p<0.048). A statistically significant difference was found between the use of at least one traditional and complementary method and the variables of age, marital status, place of residence for the longest time, and perceived health (p<0.05). Conclusion: TCM methods are known to the majority of people who visit polyclinics. Their attitudes towards traditional and complementary medicine are quite close to positive. Physicians should question whether their patients use traditional methods.