Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Institute for Studies in Medical History, Persian and Complementary Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3
Student and Cultural Affairs Office, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4
Department of Health Management, Economic and Policy, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5
Vice-Chancellor of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences,Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction:
The World Health Organization's 2014–2023 strategy underscores the importance of integrating traditional and complementary medicine into healthcare systems. Persian Medicine (PM), rooted in a rich cultural and historical tradition, has received increasing attention in Iran. As healthcare professionals play a key role in advising patients and supporting healthcare delivery, this study aimed to assess healthcare staff's knowledge, attitudes, and use of PM and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing PM and CAM knowledge, attitudes, and past-year use and analyzed using SPSS version 25.
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 432 medical and non-medical healthcare staff from seven centers affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Participants were recruited through voluntary, non-probability sampling. We collected data using two validated questionnaires (PM knowledge, attitudes, and practices; and I-CAM-IR). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, the Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results:
A total of 432 healthcare staff members completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 37.58 years, and 91.5% were female. Overall, 42.1% reported limited familiarity with PM health principles, and the internet and on-the-job training were the main information sources. The mean knowledge score was 7.29±3.64, and the mean attitude score was 20.54±5.38, both classified as low according to the predefined scoring system. Most participants recognized the individualized nature of PM and were aware of the potential adverse effects of inappropriate PM use. Furthermore, 47.8% reported using PM and CAM during the previous year, and 78.9% expressed interest in attending short-term PM training courses.
Conclusions:
Healthcare staff demonstrated limited overall knowledge and attitudes toward PM. Nevertheless, many participants expressed interest in learning more about PM through educational programs. Educational initiatives may help address knowledge gaps; however, further studies are needed to determine their effects on attitudes, utilization, and clinical practice.
Highlights
Maryam Taghavi Shirazi (Google Scholar) (PubMed)
Fatemeh Rezvan Madani (Google Scholar) (PubMed)
Nasim Badiee (Google Scholar) (PubMed)
Jila Moradi (Google Scholar) (PubMed)
Somaye Mahroozade Moradi (Google Scholar) (PubMed)
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