Nursing Students Attitudes and Understanding of Complementary and Alternative Therapies: An Indian Perspective

AIM The purpose of the present study was to explore Indian nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Research on nursing students' knowledge of complementary and alternative therapies is limited in India.

This was a cross-sectional exploratory study carried out in a convenience sample of nursing students (N = 122) using self-administered questionnaires.

A majority of the participants (89.3 percent) felt that Ayurveda is highly/moderately effective. A majority of participants agreed with most items, indicating positive attitudes toward CAM therapies. Lack of evidence, lack of staff training, unavailability of credentialed providers, and lack of appropriate equipment were seen as the main barriers to practicing CAM therapies.

The findings suggest that introducing CAM in the nursing curriculum is needed to prepare future nurses. Continuing education/training in CAM is needed by nurses to provide holistic care.