The knowledge and attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine among dermatologists in Turkey

Abstract

Background and Design:This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of dermatologists on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), common methods that are widely used in their daily practices and their general approach to CAM. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out between May 2012 and May 2013. A questionnaire comprising 14 questions was sent to dermatologists via electronic mail. The questionnaires which were returned completely and correctly were included in the study. Results: Two hundred questionnaires were taken into consideration. 25.5% of participants were working at universities, while 20% were working at training and research hospitals, 21% were working at public hospitals and the other 33% were working at private hospitals. 80.5% of participants defined the level of their knowledge about CAM as "little, a little and not at all", 16% -moderate, and the other 3.5% of them as "a lot, very much". The most frequently recommended methods among the dermatologist were topical herbal treatment (59.6%), oral herbal treatment (48.1%), herbal shampoo (46.2%), and dietary supplement and thermal spring (38.5%), respectively. Conclusion: Although many of our colleagues have lack of information about CAM, a considerable number of them could use CAM in their daily practices. A substantial proportion of dermatologists would like to be better informed about CAM. (Turkderm 2015; 49: 31-6)

Knowledge, attitude and practices of South African healthcare professionals towards complementary and alternative medicine use for atopic eczema – a descriptive survey

“…Recommendations despite knowledge were seen among Turkish dermatologists where 80% reported little/no knowledge, yet more than half have at some stage recommended topical herbal therapies and a significant proportion other herbal therapies. 17 With regard to referrals, 50% of paediatricians in a Michigan, USA study said that they would refer patients to CAM practitioners whereas only 27% of paediatricians in the Netherlands occasionally refer patients. 18 In a survey among Durban pharmacists, only 8% considered themselves sufficiently equipped to advise patients, yet 45% indicated that they did counsel patients on herbal medicines and these were recommended by 36% of respondents.…”

“…11 Likewise, 81% of Turkish dermatologists reported very little/no knowledge of CAM and more than half of paediatricians surveyed in the Netherlands also had little knowledge of CAM therapies. 17 Studies among GPs in Qatar and Saudi Arabia reported similar poor CAM knowledge (39% and > 63% respectively). 6,14 However, several Australian surveys indicate that GPs are familiar with a wide range of CAM therapies.…”

“…17 In a survey amongst paediatricians in Michigan, USA, 54% were keen on continuing medical education courses for CAM. 18 Academic doctors in Bristol, UK acknowledged that better doctor-patient communication and patient disclosure is required; however, their views on educating themselves on CAM were varied.…”

The Effects of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Physiological Systems: Perceptions of Health Sciences and Medical Students

“…It is reported that the rates of applying CAM practices in the western countries have been on the increase in all the adult groups as well as the elderly in recent years, and that these rates have reached 42% of the society in general (Moquin & Blackman, 2009;Bilgic & Ak, 2011). Even though there is limited evidence as to the efficiency of most of the CAM practices, it has been applied for centuries, and their application has been on the increase on a considerable level throughout the world and in our country, as well (Goker et al, 2015;Dundar, 2011;Ergin, Hatipoğlu, Bozkurt, & Mirza, 2011;Akbulut & Cakır, 2015;Heather, Z., Heather, S., Susan, Mitch, et al, 2014;Araz, Tasdemir, & Kılıc, 2012).…”

“…Complementary and alternative medicine practices (CAM) are defined as healthcare systems, practices and products that are performed outside the conventional methods of medicine (Mahan, Mao, & Brinkley, 2013;Goker, Yıldız, Karabacak, & Dogan, 2015;Riccard, & Skelton, 2008;Amanak, Karaoz, & Sevil, 2013). Such practices are often methods formed as the result of conventions, which are not based on a certain physiopathological explanation and the effectiveness of which has not yet been proven by scientific methods.…”