Attitudes, Knowledge and Views of Portuguese Physicians regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Cross-sectional Study

Authors

  • Carlos Nogueira Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde. Universidade da Beira Interior. Covilhã.
  • Armando Brito de Sá Unidade de Saúde Familiar Conde Saúde. Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde da Arrábida. Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo. Sesimbra.
  • Ana Paula Martins Departamento de Matemática. Centro de Matemática e Aplicações. Universidade da Beira Interior. Covilhã.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.16073

Keywords:

Complementary Therapies, Education, Medical, Portugal

Abstract

Introduction: The widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine and the fact that these are not innocuous makes it important for physicians to be familiar with it in order to properly advise their patients. The aim of this study was to identify attitudes, knowledge and views of Portuguese physicians about complementary and alternative medicine.
Material and Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was performed. A questionnaire with dichotomous and multiple-choice answers on a 5-point Likert scale, was sent to all doctors registered in the Portuguese Medical Association. It included beliefs and convictions regarding complementary and alternative medicine; aspects related to the types of complementary and alternative medicine legally approved in Portugal; sources used to obtain information about complementary and alternative medicine; and questions about complementary and alternative medicine in the Portuguese context. The statistical analysis of the data was made using SPSS v.27.0 and all conclusions were taken at a significance level of 5%.
Results: From a total sample of 4334 doctors that fully completed the questionnaire, 45.5% reported not feeling comfortable talking, debating, and elucidating their patients about complementary and alternative medicine. The majority, 68.6%, considered that the competence in medical acupuncture of the Portuguese Medical Association should remain available. However, 72.4% believe that complementary and alternative medicine should not be included in the National Health Service.
Conclusion: Portuguese doctors seem to have a low level of knowledge about complementary and alternative medicine, and a relevantpart of them does not feel prepared to advise their patients about it.

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Published

2022-05-02

How to Cite

1.
Nogueira C, Brito de Sá A, Martins AP. Attitudes, Knowledge and Views of Portuguese Physicians regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Cross-sectional Study. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2022 May 2 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];35(5):320-7. Available from: https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/16073

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Original