A Study on Tehran Medical University Students’ Knowledge and Tendency Level Regarding Complementary Therapies

Complementary Medicine includes some medical interventions which are not usually taught in universities but using these therapies are expanding both in extent and affluence. This study aims to examine the knowledge and intention level of medical science universities’ students in Tehran regarding complementary medical therapy methods. This was a cross-sectional study involving descriptive, analytical aspects which took place on 300 medical university students in Tehran city in summer 2009. Information was collected using a questionnaire which was designed by the researcher and its Validity and reliability were approved through a pilot study. These information were then analyzed using SPSS statistical software and Chi -square and correlation tests. The average student age was 24.71 ± 2.22 years as the youngest person was 20 and the oldest one was 31 years old. There were 115 male (38.3 percent) students and the rest were female. 39 students (13 percent) had already passed complementary medicine courses. Acupuncture therapy was the most popular course between students in respect to their intention to learn. Also the students stated that they had least information regarding aromatherapy. Considering high intention of students to learn complementary medicine therapies and existing appropriate background among them, it seems necessary to include these subjects in usual medical curriculum in order to witness the appropriate changes in patients’ treatment process.