Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Undergraduate Health Science Students towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nepal

Authors

  • Melina Poudel College of Pharmacy, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
  • Manoj Pandit Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
  • Amit Kumar Shrivastava Department of Pharmacology, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
  • Anjana Paudel Chhetri College of Pharmacy, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
  • Deepesh Pandey College of Pharmacy, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
  • Bipindra Pandey School of Health and Allied Sciences, Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal
  • Hem Raj Koirala Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Nepal
  • Dipesh Karki Department of Medicine, Fishtail Hospital and Research Center Pvt. Ltd, Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal
  • Saroj Sharma Department of Radiology & Imaging, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Niranjan Koirala Gandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology, Gandaki Province, Pokhara, Nepal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7777-1191

Keywords:

Attitude, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Health Science Students, Knowledge, Perception

Abstract

Introduction: Apparently, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a recognized medical practice that precisely makes use of multiple treatment therapies and techniques in the prevention and management of variety of human disorders. Having a glance at the future, health science students belonging to different universities would take the leading hospitals and health centers thus this study aims to analyze the level of knowledge, attitude and perception of them towards CAM in Nepal, also aims at awaking students about CAM therapies, related side effects, risks and possible complications.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was organized by enlisting 385 undergraduate students, pharmacy (107) and non-pharmacy (278) which encompasses demographic characteristics, source of information, knowledge, attitudes and perception towards CAM.

Results: Report indicated that predominance of students had good knowledge regarding homeopathy (Pharmacy:81.3%, NP:71.9%, P-value:0.044), herbal-medicine (Pharmacy: 62.5%, NP: 56.5%, P-value: 0.008, acupuncture (Pharmacy: 72.9%, Non-Pharmacy: 62.2%, P-value: 0.073), gingko (Pharmacy: 52.3%, Non-Pharmacy: 40.6%), ginseng (Pharmacy: 52.3, Non-Pharmacy: 34.9%, P-value: 0.001). In spite employing non reliable origin of CAM information and their mindset that CAM is proceeded by quacks, the preponderance of students had positive attitudes and perception regarding CAM management. However, few non pharmacy students believe that CAM should be adapted by legislation (Pharmacy: 78.5%, Non-Pharmacy: 66.2%, P-value: 0.032), only few believe that CAM is a convenient appendage via traditional medication (Pharmacy: 84.1%, Non-Pharmacy: 70.5%, P-value: 0.018).

Conclusion: Disregarding scanty knowledge in the matter of CAM, students possess forward-looking attitudes and opinion regarding CAM, also express eagerness to increase their knowledge about CAM.

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Published

2023-02-21

How to Cite

Poudel, M., Pandit, M., Shrivastava, A. K., Chhetri, A. P., Pandey, D., Pandey, B., Koirala, H. R., Karki, D., Sharma, S., & Koirala, N. (2023). Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Undergraduate Health Science Students towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nepal. Annapurna Journal of Health Sciences, 3(1), 59–67. Retrieved from https://nepjol.info/index.php/ajhs/article/view/57321

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Plant Issue

License

Copyright (c) 2023 Melina Poudel, Manoj Pandit, Amit Kumar Shrivastava, Anjana Paudel Chhetri, Deepesh Pandey, Bipindra Pandey, Hem Raj Koirala, Dipesh Karki, Saroj Sharma, Niranjan Koirala

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