Awareness on traditional and complementary medicine among undergraduate students in Universiti Putra Malaysia

SAHANUDIN, NURUL NABILAH (2021) Awareness on traditional and complementary medicine among undergraduate students in Universiti Putra Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPSK4 2021 46.pdf Download (1MB)

Abstract

Introduction: The use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) is increasing by year in Malaysia. However, there is not enough evidence to support the claims of T&CM is safe to be used. Public may not be aware and have enough knowledge on the usage and know how the T&CM possibly give effect if used wrongly. Objective: This study aims to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, practice and awareness on T&CM among Health Sciences (HS) and Non-Health Sciences (NHS) students in UPM. Methodology: A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate students in UPM through student’s group chat application. Results: Health Sciences students mean score knowledge (59.01 ± 8.55) is higher than Non-Health Sciences students (57.82 ± 8.52) whereas the attitude (69.97 ± 8.90) and practice (50.18 ± 5.18) of Non-Health Sciences students were higher than Health Sciences students (Attitude: 68.92 ± 8.29, Practice: 49.18 ± 5.08). The level of awareness of Health Sciences (10.07 ± 1.37) students was higher compare to Non-Health Sciences students (9.63 ± 1.62). It was found that no significant differences between the knowledge, attitude and practice of Health Sciences and Non-Health Sciences students (p > 0.05). However, the level of awareness between the two groups were significantly different (HS: 10.07 ± 1.37, NHS: 9.63 ± 1.62) (p < 0.01). It was found that family or friends (77.4%), internet (77.4%) and mass media (59.2%) were the main source to obtain the information on T&CM. Data showed that the students mostly used aromatherapy (HS: 51.4%, NHS: 60.3%), prayer or spiritual healing (HS: 67.1%, NHS: 80.1%) and traditional herb (HS: 56.2%, NHS: 71.9%). Pattern of usage for above modalities were observed with aromatherapy (HS: 6.8%, NHS: 4.8%), and traditional herb (HS: 3.4%, NHS: 6.2%) highest for weekly whereas prayer or spiritual healing has the highest daily usage (HS: 32.9%, NHS: 31.5%). Mentioned modalities also preferred by the students for treatment of sickness. Conclusion: In conclusion, students have adequate knowledge, demonstrate a positive attitude and good practice, as well as having a higher awareness level on T&CM. However, there is no significant difference between the knowledge, attitude and practice of T&CM between the two groups but the awareness is significantly different. It is recommended for repeated cross-sectional studies to be conducted on the same respondents to analyze the change of knowledge, attitude, practice and awareness on T&CM over time. Keywords: Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Health Sciences, Non-Health Sciences, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	24 Aug 2023 04:51
Last Modified:	24 Aug 2023 04:51
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1035

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