University Students' Attitudes Towards Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices

Authors : Merve Ebrar Uluğ, Abdurrahman Yunus Sarıyıldız, Selin Kalender, Aslı Metin

Pages : 112-121

Doi:10.53811/ijtcmr.1435641

View : 26 | Download : 28

Publication Date : 2024-09-03

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective= This study investigates how university students, a well-educated segment of society, perceive traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) practices and their level of healthy lifestyle skills, and how they are related. It also aims to determine whether students\' healthy living skills influence their attitudes towards T&CM practices. Methods= This descriptive and cross-sectional study focused on students enrolled in three state universities. A total of 362 student datasets were analyzed. Data were gathered through an online questionnaire comprising inquiries related to students\' sociodemographic features, their familiarity with T&CM, the T&CM attitude scale, and the scale assessing their healthy living skills. Results= The study\'s findings, the correlation coefficient between the total scores of the students from the T&CM Attitude Scale (114.80±17.95) and the Healthy Living Skills Scale (64.29±8.79) was calculated as r=0.127. There was a positive, statistically significant (p<0.001) but a very weak relationship between the scales. The regression analysis showed that a one-unit increase in the healthy living skills scale resulted in a 0.2-point increase in the T&CM attitude scale. Conclusion= In the study was found students’ attitudes toward T&CM were positive but they lacked knowledge about it. Also, results revealed that the number of students who experienced T&CM\'s implementation was quite low. This research holds significance in uncovering the healthy living skills and attitudes toward T&CM among university students. Given their capacity to impact society through behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes, understanding these aspects is crucial for a comprehensive insight into the broader societal implications.
Keywords : Traditional and complementary medicine, healthy living skills, university student