The purpose of this work carried out as a descriptive field study was to assess the acceptance of Non-Conventional Health Practices (NCHP) by medical students at the Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (UNISUL). The survey was conducted on the basis of direct extensive observation, by applying questionnaires for evaluating the knowledge and interest about NCHPs. The interviewed students (n = 197) claimed to know most NCHPs, especially yoga (96.6%), homeopathy (92.9%), homemade teas (91.9%), acupuncture and prayers (88.8%) as well faith healing (83.2%), all of which with percentages over 80%. Although such practices are not part of the syllabus, more than 50% of the students showed interest in learning at least 10 of the 13 NCHPs listed. Besides, more than 50% of the students stated that they would recommend or support the use of NCHPs such as yoga, acupuncture, phytotherapy and prayers. It was concluded that the students are interested in non-conventional practices and that disciplines approaching NCHPs should be included in the curriculum of medicine courses.
Complementary Therapies; Education; Students, Medical
