Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Patients Applying to the Family Health Center and Affecting Factors

Abstract

Objective: Further information is needed about the use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) practices. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of use of traditional and complementary medicine by individuals living in Bitlis, Turkey and the affecting factors. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The research was conducted with (female=276, male=187) 463 people aged 18 and over who applied to a family health center in Bitlis, Turkey, for various reasons, between 15 March to 15 May 2018. Results: The mean age of the individuals participating in the study was 29.25±11.32 (range 18-95 years). The frequencies of the ten most frequently used methods in TCM; 28.9% were herbs, 28.7% prayer, 21.4% nutritional support, 10.8% massage therapy, 9.5% music therapy, 4.8% cupping, 4.3% leech therapy, 4.1% homeopathy, 3.6% yoga, 3.7% acupuncture. The difference between gender, having a chronic disease and profession and reporting the traditional and complementary medicine method to the doctor is statistically significant. The difference between health assessment, regular drug use and the side effect status of the TCM method is statistically significant. The difference between the regular use of medicine and the reason for using the traditional and complementary medicine method is statistically significant. Conclusion: Traditional and complementary medicine practices are not fully integrated into the health system and use and side effects are not recorded. Practices should be integrated into the health system and performed by trained practitioners, and practices that are not subject to supervision should be avoided. © 2023, DergiPark. All rights reserved.