Evaluation of opinions towards traditional and complementary medicine: Example of family health center

Traditional and complementary medicine (GETAT) has been used from the past to the present, and it has become an important issue in the health system in Turkey as well as all over the World in recent years. The aim of this study is to determine and evaluate of the opinions towards GETAT of individuals, the use cases and usefulness of phytotherapy, cupping, leech application, acupuncture and ozone application in the GETAT regulation. 400 adults who applied to a Family Health Center in Kırklareli were included to the study. In the survey forms used in the research, there are questions regarding the use of GETAT evaluation of opinions towards GETAT as well as questions containing sociodemographic information. In addition, the Attitude Scale Towards Traditional and Complementary Medicine developed by Araz and Harlak (2006) was used. An increase in the total score on the scale, where the total score ranges from 8-40, means that there is an increase in the positive attitude towards GETAT. In the study, it was examined whether the attitude towards GETAT, its use and usefulness of the selected treatment methods differ according to sociodemographic characteristics. As a result of the study, it has been determined that individuals have a positive attitude towards GETAT above average, the rate of using any of the GETAT methods and the level of finding useful for the selected treatment methods are high, but their knowledge level is low. Considering that the rate of GETAT usage is high but the level of knowledge towards GETAT methods is low; It may be recommended to inform the public about GETAT methods by healthcare professionals trained in the field of GETAT and to take measures to prevent unconscious use.