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Medical Students’ Attitudes toward Alternative and Complementary Therapies

The use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CAT) has been increasing over the years in Brazil and worldwide, with the advent of health policies that favor the use of these practices. However, medical schools still do not offer curricular disciplines on these topics. In order to describe the attitudes of Brazilian medical students toward complementary therapies a cross-sectional observational study was conducted by means of a questionnaire. There was a 65.22% response rate and the best-known therapy among students was Phytotherapy (90.3%). Most students showed positive attitudes toward these therapies, and 75.26% would like to learn about the topic in curricular classes. Our results have shown a favorable attitude on the part of medical students in relation to complementary therapies, as well as some knowledge about them. Students demonsatrated willingness to learn about these topics during curricular lectures.

Medical Education; Complementary Therapies; Attitude


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