Determining Knowledge and Attitude of Tehran Medical University Students on Traditional Medicine

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Traditional medicine is a common therapeutic method in Iran that due to the some reasons the physicians pay less attention to it. Therefore, in this study the knowledge and attitude of medical students about traditional medicine in Tehran Universities were evaluated. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on medical students of Tehran in the summer of 2009. Data were collected by an author-constructed questionnaire with approved validity and reliability indexes during a pilot study. Data were then analyzed using SPSS software and statistical tests such as chi-square and correlation. Results: The mean age of students was found to be 24.71±2.22 years. 38.3% were male and the others were female. 39 participants (13%) had passed the training courses of traditional medicine. Knowledge and attitude of students were 60 and 38.3 percent, respectively at the intermediate level. The knowledge and attitude levels were not related to any variable. Conclusion: Despite moderate knowledge level of medical students about traditional medicine, the desire to learn it is noticeable and a very good reason for incorporation of these lessons in common medical curriculum so that appropriate modifications be done in the treatment of patients.

Keywords

• traditional medicine
• knowledge
• attitude