Knowledge, attitude and practice of complementary and alternative medicine among medical students in Al-Imam Muhammed Ibn Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction:The healthcare which practiced outside healthcare system is defined as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The aim of the present study is to know the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of CAM among medical student at Al-Imam Muhammed University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Method:In this cross-sectional study, multi-items questionaire were distributed among all years of college of medicine (from Preparatory year to fifth year) which consisted of 25 questions. Students before the third year was not yet study CAM course in the collage (not exposed), while the students from the third year and above have taken CAM subject (exposed). In this study we focused on the general knowledge (7 questions), attitude (14 questions), and general practices of CAM (4 questions). The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results:Total of 257 students completed the questionnaire. 161 subjects have not exposed to CAM course in the college where 95 subjects were exposed. Most of participants 86.7% had previous knowledge about CAM in despite of CAM course. In exposed group, CAM course represented 75.8% of the source of knowledge followed by family or friends 69.5%, and then internet 45.3%. On the other hand, in non-exposed group the Internet represented 44.1%, followed by Family or Friends 41%, and then Advertisements 15.5%. Students’ attitude toward CAM: it is not due to placebo effect 62.5%, should be taught in the medical colleges 61.8% and Workers in the field must be scientifically qualified 88.3%. The most common practices of CAM in the exposed group are Ruqia, Honey and bee products Herbs, Hijama, Massage (88.4%, 70.5%, 64.2%, 50.5%, and 22.1%, respectively). In contrast, the most common practices in non-exposed group are Ruqia, Herbs, Honey & Bee products, Hijama, Massage (78.3%, 54.7%, 54%, and 13%, respectively). Eventually, 40% of exposed group and 33.5% of non-exposed group have used CAM practices as a treatment of their diseases. Conclusion:Previous knowledge is noted in most of the included participants regardless of CAM course exposure. The attitude is generally positive. Ruqia was the most common practices of CAM in the exposed and non-exposed group.