Knowledge, Attitude, and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Final-Year Pharmacy and Medical Students in Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

Abstract Introduction  Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a growing branch of medicine that can improve the quality of life of many people. This study aimed to assess comparatively the knowledge, attitude, and use of CAM among graduation year pharmacy and medicine students at the University of Benghazi, Libya. Method  A cross-sectional survey was conducted among graduation year pharmacy and medicine students at the University of Benghazi for 4 months. The study tool was a self-administered online questionnaire and consisted of four main sections: demographic data, use, knowledge, and attitude toward CAM. Results  Most of the study respondents were females, and most were from Benghazi city. CAM use among pharmacy students was significantly higher ( p -value= 0.001), with ruguia being the most commonly used modality (52.5%), followed by cupping-Al hijama and herbal medicine. Minor ailments and acute illnesses were the main medical conditions treated with CAM, and the unnecessary physician intervention was the top reason for practicing CAM among students. CAM knowledge and attitude were significantly higher among pharmacy students ( p -value= 0.000 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion  CAM was commonly practiced among the study participants. Their overall knowledge of CAM was limited, whereas their attitude toward it was positive, with pharmacy students having a better degree of both.