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KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING HERBS AMONG FIRST-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY AT HO CHI MINH CITY
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Abstract
Objectives: Traditional medicine, as well as herbal medicine, are increasingly popularly used in the general population. Therefore, students of medical specialties as future medical staff, need to have some knowledge of traditional medicine to equip themselves. This study evaluates the knowledge of traditional medicine as well as the attitude and practice of herbal medicine among first-year medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 390 medical students of University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP). Survey questionnaires were validated and descriptive statistical analyzes were performed by SPSS software. Results: The data showed that 98/390 students (25.1%) used herbs of which 82 people (83.7%) used it without consulting a doctor in the past 6 months. Men’s knowledge of herbs’ sources is worse than that of women (p<0.05), however, knowledge about herbal abuse as well as side effects is better (p<0.05). A significant number of respondents (253; 64.8%) believe that herbs can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine. In terms of attitude, the majority agree with the benefits of herbs in maintaining and improving health (188; 48.2%) and curing disease (215; 55.1%). Male students have significantly more attitudes and propensities to use herbs than female students (p<0.05). However, students did not want to use herbs (206; 52.8%), did not recommend it to their family members (266; 68.2%), and did not advise others to use herbs when they had health problems (211; 54.3%). Conclusion: The medical students of UMP were not aware of some important aspects related to herbs, such as combining the use of herbs with modern medicines without consulting; most did not want to use herbs for themselves or instruct others. Incorporating appropriate courses in herbs into medical curricula can fill this gap and clear up misconceptions among students.
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Keywords
knowledge, attitude, practice, herbs, medical students, Vietnam
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