Traditional medicine: perceptions and experience of medical students from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, a comparative study

ABSTRACT

In view of the increasing popularity of traditional medicine [TM], it is imperative that medical students, the health professionals of tomorrow, possess adequate knowledge on the topic. The incorporation of TM into medical curricula is handled quite differently by different institutions and countries. To assess the knowledge, attitudes and experience of Alexandria and Saudi medical students about TM and compare between them, and to identify their perceptions and opinions about applicability and the importance of its integration into the medical curriculum. This is a comparative descriptive study. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was done on 489 fourth year medical students selected randomly from Alexandria medical college and 85 fourth year students selected from Tiabah medical college [Saudi Arabia]. Comparison between the two groups and different variables were tested using the x2-and Mann-Whitney tests of significance, Taibah students were more aware of and believed that some of the TM modalities are useful. The two groups of students lacked knowledge about their safety and efficacy. Taibah students were significantly more experienced in TM than Alexandria students. Most of the students in the two groups believed that TM should be used in conjunction with conventional medicine and that, if given adequate training, they would incorporate it in their future medical practice. Most students in the two disciplines favored incorporation of TM into the medical curriculum and the difference was not significant. Despite being aware of the usefulness of TM, only a few medical students had pursued further knowledge. Therefore consideration for incorporation of TM in medical curriculum may be helpful and necessary