APPLICABLE TO FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS DETECTION OF ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS ABOUT TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE (T&CM)

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to determine the attitudes and behaviours of individuals aged 18 and over referred to family health centres in Ankara regarding traditional and complementary medicine practices. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 443 people aged 18 and over referred to family health centres in Ankara and agreed to participate in the study. The data source used was the questionnaire forms the research team developed. The questionnaire form was applied face to face. Results: All participants stated having heard about T&CM applications. A statistically significant difference was found between the status of getting information about T&CM applications regarding age and marital status. A statistically significant difference was found between the status of getting information about T&CM applications regarding age and marital status, presence of chronic disease and regular drug use. The frequency of getting information about T&CM applications increases 1.9 times by the presence of chronic disease and 2.7 times by good/excellent perceived health status. The frequency of using T&CM applications at least once in their life is 40.2%. Conclusion: The usage frequency of T&CM has recently increased to a great extent in our country and in the world. Hence, determining the attitudes and behaviours of individuals regarding traditional and complementary medicine practices in the case of increasing frequency of use is essential in creating scientific evidence for the studies to be carried out in this field.