Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and attitude of the medical students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences about complementary and alternative medicine. This descriptive study was done on all medical students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Science (n = 295) with a census method; however, 89.8% (n = 265) of the students filled the questionnaires completely. The data used for this study were collected through the questionnaires that comprised demographic questions and knowledge and attitude questions about complementary and alternative medicine. The data were stored in SPSS₁₆ software and analyzed by descriptive statistics and Chi² and Fisher statistical test. The P<0.05 was considered at a statistical significance level. The findings of this study showed that 34.7% (n = 92) of the students have weak knowledge and 13% (n = 4.9) have a positive attitude about complementary and alternative medicine. The relationship between attitude toward complementary and alternative medicine and age was shown in the sample of below 20 years old, with 3.1% (n = 1) having positive attitude and 96.9% (n = 31) having negative attitudes. The samples between 20 to 25 years old showed that 2.9% (n = 6) have positive attitude, and the samples for more than 25 years old showed that 21.4% (n = 6) have positive attitude as well. Cases with good knowledge and positive attitude were 13% (n = 12) and those with good knowledge and negative attitude were 87% (n = 80). For promotion of their knowledge, continuous education is needed in order to develop a proper attitude about this issue.

Key words: Knowledge, attitude, complementary and alternative medicine, medical students, Rafsanjan.