Traditional and complementary/alternative medicine [TCAM] in medical theses [1991-2006]

ABSTRACT

To assess TCAM in medical theses during the recent 15 years in medical schools of Tehran, Iran. All medical theses in 4 main medical schools [Iran, Shahid Beheshti, Shahed and Tehran medical schools] registered during 1991-2006 were assessed to find subjects related to TCAM. Theses were evaluated regarding the type of study, grade/ specialty of author and type of TCAM. In all, 28344 medical theses have been registered during the study period. Of these, 110 theses [3.88 per 1000] were related to TCAM. There was a statistically significant increasing trend in the proportion of TCAM subjects [P < 0.001, X 2 < /sup > for trends=42.7]. Among the TCAM studies, 37.3 percent were related to clinical aspects. The proportion of clinical topics was significantly higher for specialized degrees than the general medicine [P < 0.001]. Even though there was an increasing trend during recent years, the proportion of TCAM subjects was relatively low. Re-orienting medical students could play an important role in increasing the production of scientific evidences on the topic