Abstract
Background:
In poorer countries, the search for effective and affordable treatments for epidemic diseases is driving a renewed global interest in traditional medicine. Traditional medicine/CAM refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.
Objective: The main purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of pharmacy students towards complementary and alternative medicine.
Methods and materials: Descriptive cross sectional study design was used. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.0.
Results and conclusion: From 15 CAM modalities, studied; Herbal medicine, massage, bone setting and spiritual healing were top well known practices among students. There is a clear difference in knowledge and attitude between those class years who took CAM training and who did not. There is a statistically significant difference between those class years who had received CAM lecture and those who have not received the lecture yet. Almost all students have good knowledge and attitude about complementary and alternative medicine. Most of them were found interested personally with CAM.
Key words: Alternative medicine, modalities, traditional medicine
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