The Views of Relatives of Patients Applying to the Family Health Centre in Kütahya on Traditional and Complementary Non-Medical Practices: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

This study aims to examine knowledge-behaviours of patient relatives, who applied to the Gaybi Efendi Family Health Centre (FHC) in Kütahya, towards traditional-complementary practices. Material and Methods: Study sample consists of the relatives of the patients who are treated at Gaybi Efendi FHC in Kütahya. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a face-to-face questionnaire was applied to 330 patients' relatives, the study was conducted between October and December 2019. In the relevant dates, individuals who received service from the relevant institution in three months formed the population, those who agreed to participate in the study formed the sample. Results: The majority of participants included in the study were students, homemakers. 71.7% of the participants were women, 87.7% of them did not receive training in traditional-complementary medicine, 60.7% of them reported that traditional-complementary practices could be used without consulting a doctor, 51.6% of them said that traditional-complementary practices could be used for simple diseases, 42.1% of them said that traditional-complementary practices delay getting medical treatment, 36.4% of them said scientific evidence is necessary in traditional-complementary practices. University graduates, students and women were found to be more sensitive to the thought that scientific evidence is needed for traditional practices (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was found out that the groups with low education, with extended families, males had insufficient correct information about traditional practices and they need training. The problem arose that those without social security tended to these practices without consulting a doctor, and the misdirection of low-income people to these practices revealed the necessity of multidisciplinary planning on the subject.