Traditional and complementary medical attitude scale : Study of validity reliability

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE: In the study, it is aimed to investigate the use, the attitude of complementary medicine practices among the administrative staff of Sakarya University by doing the validity and reliability of Complementary, Alternative and Conventional Medicine Attitude Scale (CACMAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The universe of this methodological and crosssectional study was employees of all units of Sakarya University as administrative staff. 597 people (%79.5) who agreed to participate in the study were included. Questionnaires, had 53 questions totally, 26 of which were about socio-demographic characteristics and complementary medicine practices, 27 of which were about complementary medicine attitude scale, were filled under observation. RESULTS: 62.8 % of participants was male, 45.9 % of participants was postgraduate, and 15.6 % of participants was postgraduate / doctorate. The mean age was 38.91± 9.62 SD. Cronbach's alpha value of the traditional and complementary medicine attitude scale in questionnaire was found 0,808. Physicometric features of it was found to be good. The most well-known five methods of traditional and complementary medicine methods were hot spring, massage, prayer, herbal treatments, stabbing. Forty percent of participants admitted to practice complementary medicine because of pain. One third of participants indicated that they choose traditional and complementary medicine because it is easily accessible, about one fourth of participants indicated that they choose traditional and complementary medicine because it is complementary and reliable. CONCLUSION: Complementary medicine methods are often referred in diseases and are available for everyone. Participants who have knowledge about traditional and complementary medicine have got a higher score on CACMAS (p<0,001). Participants who suggest traditional and complementary medicine methods, have got a higher score on CACMAS (p<0,001). By holistic approach with CACMAS and also by taking consideration of patient's requests it may be possible to plan treatment. While learning the clinical history of patients to prevent drug interactions, it would be usefull to use CACMAS. So that patients would more easily adapt to treatment. KEY WORDS: Complementary, Traditional, Attitude, Validity and reliability of Scale