Knowledge and attitudes about acupuncture of hospital and public service physicians in Ecuador

Abstract:

Objective To identify the knowledge and attitudes about acupuncture in physicians linked to public hospitals in central Ecuador. Method A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, multicentre study was conducted with a total population of 289 physicians. The study was performed in several hospitals, although the older population belongs to the General Polyclinic Hospital of Riobamba. Participants Rural, general and specialist physicians. Pre- and post-graduate students were excluded. Results The theoretical foundations of acupuncture are unknown by 72% of physicians, although 53% of them are aware of acupuncture therapy, and 59% have a good attitude to undergo acupuncture treatment. The referring of patients to acupuncture services is only 33%. Acceptance for teaching these fundamentals is shared by 54% of physicians. Conclusions There is a basic level of knowledge by physicians about the meaning of acupuncture, but not about its theoretical foundations. In addition they show a positive attitude to accepting acupuncture therapies and the inclusion of these studies in the medical curricula. A negative attitude persists for referral of patients to acupuncture therapies.

Año de publicación:

2017

Keywords:

• attitudes
• Complementary therapies
• knowledge
• Source: DeCS
• physicians
• BIREME

Fuente:

scopus