Knowledge and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine amongst Turkish nursing students

Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of the Nursing School Students on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Gulhane Military Medical Academy Nursing School during March/April 2010. The sociodemographic characteristics of participants and their knowledge and attitudes towards CAM were collected by using a structured questionnaire developed by researchers.Results: Out of a total of 354 students, only 91.2% of those students (n=323) participated in the study. The sources of information were stated as television and radio 80.3% (n=265), internet 69.0% (n=223), newspapers and magazines 68.1% (n=220), friends 48.6% (n=157), and books 32.5% (n=105) by participants. While the mostly known first three CAM practices were hypnosis (59.4%), prayer (58.5%), and herbal therapies (52.6%), those which were stated as most effective were massage (81.4%), herbal therapies (69.3%), and prayer (56.0%). Almost five out of six students (82.7%, n=267) stated that CAM therapies should be included into their curriculum. The distribution of the responses for the item, Complementary therapies are a threat to public health had statistically significant difference between the classes (p 0.001). The first year, second year and third year class students had more positive attitude for CAM than the fourth year class students.Conclusions: It is suggested that the lectures on CAM practices should be included into the curriculum of the nursing students who are enthusiastic about learning them which will have a positive impact on their education and training