Medical Students' Attitudes Toward Complementary Alternative Medicine
Author Information
Author(s): Riccard Christopher P, Skelton Michele
Primary Institution: Stetson University
Hypothesis
As student exposure to allopathic techniques and procedures increases during the last year of medical school, their attitudes toward CAM decrease.
Conclusion
1st and 2nd year medical students have significantly more positive attitudes toward CAM compared to 4th year students.
Supporting Evidence
- 1st year students had a mean score of 46.0, 2nd year students averaged 48.3, and 4th year students averaged 37.8.
- Females scored significantly higher than males in their attitudes toward CAM.
- Significant changes were found between both 1st and 4th year students and 2nd and 4th year students.
Takeaway
Younger medical students like CAM more than older students because they haven't learned as much about traditional medicine yet.
Methodology
The CHBQ was administered to medical students to measure their attitudes toward CAM.
Potential Biases
The low response rate of medical students in completing the survey may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study was conducted at only one medical institution, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
40% male and 60% female medical students from the University of South Florida.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.012 for 1st vs 4th year, p = 0.002 for 2nd vs 4th year, p = 0.046 for gender comparison.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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