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Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology

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Knowledge about complementary and alternative medicine among university students in Jordan

Lujain Al Omari, Rakan Radi, Ula Isleem, Orhan Alimoğlu, Handan Ankarali, Vanja Berggren, Hana Taha

Abstract

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an expanding practice worldwide. However, there are few studies conducted in Jordan about CAM. This study aimed to assess knowledge about CAM among university students in Jordan and whether it should be incorporated into the educational curricula. Methods: This cross-sectional study took place at the University of Jordan in 2016. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 475 students from medicine, pharmacy, and engineering faculties and was completed and returned by 451 students. Descriptive and multivariate analysis were conducted. Results: The majority of students (89%) knew what CAM was (n = 451), 70% have used it, 56% expressed interest in taking CAM classes, 70% believed that classes should be integrated into curricula for health faculties, and 77% thought that elective classes should be provided to students in other faculties. Most students learned about CAM from family and friends (55%), followed by social media (22%), TV commercials (9.2%), and lastly from medical practitioners (8.5%). Conclusion: This study provides a well-placed proposal to universities to consider integrating CAM into their curricula and offering elective courses for students from nonhealth faculties.