The Effect of Socio-Demographic and Cultural Features onTraditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Healthcare Students

OpenAlex İngilizce

Objective: The aim of the research is to determine the impact of socio-demographic-cultural characteristics and educational background on the approach to Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) practices among healthcare students. Material and Methods: The research was designed as a quantitative and descriptive-cross-sectional study and carried out with health educated students from two different universities. Results: 59.4% of the participants reported using TCAM; 21.2% reported having experienced problems with the practices they applied, while 68.8% preferred this method to others. The variables of age, university, marital status, long-term location of residence, perceived income, chronic disease status, smoking, source of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine information, any problems following TCAM use and post- TCAM experience were found effective. Conclusion: TCAM training should be included in the education programs of students receiving health education so as to provide them with accurate information on the matter.