Firdous Jahan, Muhammad A Siddiqui, Harshini Asogan
Objective: The aims of this study are to estimate the self-perceived competence knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding complementary and alternative medicine to control of dyslipidemia and diabetes in medical student, to determine the influence demographic and socioeconomic factors on the level of KAP. Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used in health care and is rapidly evolving. CAM are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine but frequently used by patients as self-medication and prescribed by health care provider in diabetes and dyslipidemia. Medical student’s knowledge regarding CAM used in diabetes and dyslipidemia is imperative to handle this in patient care. Method: A cross sectional survey based study conducted at Oman medical college. Students in clinical years were requested to participate. Data was collected with selffilled questionnaire asked about their attitudes and beliefs regarding use of CAM used in dyslipidemia and diabetes. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: A total of 101 medical students participated 18 (17.8%) were male and 83 (82.2%) were female, 101 participants, 74 (73.3%) were Omani and 27 (26.7%) were non-Omani. The most frequent responses were agree (49.5%) for the usage of herb/supplement is very common and 48.5% were agree that for practice of CAM should be asked during a regular history taking of patients .More than a half of the participants were agreed or strongly believe that high cholesterol is a risk for heart attack, HDL is a protector for heart disease, walking increases HDL, reduction in LDL will reduce the risk of heart attack and high fiber diet is effective to reduce cholesterol. Conclusion: Majority participants have good knowledge regarding CAM, however specific knowledge treating diabetes and dyslipidemia. This can be achieved by providing education and training by organizing continuous medical education programs.