[Phcog J] | November, 2009, Volume 1, No. 2 | A survey on knowledge and attitude of pharmacy, health science and medical students towards traditional medicine as well as willingness of students and doctors towards the integration of traditional and modern medicine in Gondar university.

A survey on knowledge and attitude of pharmacy, health science and medical students towards traditional medicine as well as willingness of students and doctors towards the integration of traditional and modern medicine in Gondar university.

Order of Publishing in Issue: 
15
Volume :1
Issue :2
September, 2009
Authors: 
Muthuswamy Ragunathan [1]*, Solomon MeQuanente Abay [2]
Address: 
[1] Department of Pharmacognosy, Cherraan’s College of Pharmacy, 521-Siruvani Main Road, Coimbatore-39, Tamilnadu state, India [2] Department of Pharmacology, Addis Ababa University, Medical Faculty, PO Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and willingness of modern health professionals (students and doctors) to the integration of traditional and modern medicines. Stratified random sampling technique for students as well as quota sampling for doctors wer used. In addition, a self-administered questionnaire was employed in the study. The findings of the study showed that most students (respondents) have an encouraging general knowledge on traditional medicine. However, 54.9% respondents said that they do not have in-depth awareness about it. Most students and doctors believe that health service coverage in the nation can be increased through bringing together of traditional and modern practitioners and they themselves are willing to actively participate in such co-operations. About 69% of students and 80% of doctors in the study are willing to integrate the traditional and modern medicines in their profession. The impact of traditional medicine course is found to be very significant in bringing attitudinal and willingness developments on the students. Hence, 81.93% respondents (students) are willing to take the course. On the other hand, most of the students and doctors said that, they do not know the National Policy of Traditional Medicine. Thus, despite the above promising findings, the endeavors of the government and the university are found to be unsatisfying. This shows the exclusive effort should be taken by the government among the health professionals towards integration of traditional medicine system to modern medicine.

Keywords: 
Traditional medicine; Knowledge; Integration; Attitude; Complementary and Alternative medicine; Ethiopia

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