Abstract:

Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate the attitudes of individuals towards Traditional and Complementary Medicine. This study is cross-sectional and descriptive. The sample of the study consisted of 315 individuals aged 18 years and over who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected from individuals in the form of an online questionnaire. IBM SPSS 26.0 statistical software program was used for data analysis. The mean total score of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Attitude Scale of the individuals was 112.47±18.60, which is above the middle level, and a significant relationship was found between age and the total score of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Attitude Scale, between marital status and the total score of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Attitude Scale, and between the presence of children and the total score of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Attitude Scale (p<0.05). There was a correlation between the age of the individuals, the sub-dimensions of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Attitude Scale and the total score of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Attitude Scale. There is a positive correlation between age and Intellectual View of Complementary Medicine and Holistic View of Health, and a negative correlation between Dissatisfaction with Modern Medicine. In conclusion, literature studies show that the preference rates for Traditional and Complementary Medicine practices are increasing in the world and in our country, but unconscious use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine practices can also lead to negative consequences in individuals. The use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine practices must be under the control of health professionals with traditional and complementary medicine certificates. Nurses, who are health professionals, have important duties in this regard. According to the results of this study, the use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine practices by individuals in certain groups should be questioned and necessary counseling, training and guidance should be provided.

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