Knowledge, attitude and use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in general and herbal remedy in specific among Egyptian pharmacy students and pharmacists
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2026.261.487496Keywords:
Complementary and alternative medicine, Herbal medicine, Pharmacy student, PharmacistAbstract
Background: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), particularly herbal remedies, has gained widespread global use. However, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pharmacy professionals concerning CAM are often inconsistent.
Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding CAM among 110 pharmacy students and graduates in Egypt using a self-administered questionnaire.
Results: Most respondents (47.27%) possessed a moderate level of CAM knowledge, primarily acquired through university courses (70%). Herbal remedies were the most commonly used CAM practice, with 39.09% of respondents reporting personal use. While a majority of participants (73.64%) supported recommending CAM under specific conditions, only 32.73% expressed a strong interest in pursuing further academic training in this field.
Although most respondents (57.27%) perceived CAM treatments as moderately effective, significant concerns regarding their safety and regulation were evident. A substantial portion of participants (53.21%) advocated for stricter regulatory oversight of CAM products, and 60% believed that herbal medicines should be exclusively dispensed through pharmacies as regulated products.
Conclusion: The findings identify gaps in formal pharmacy education concerning safe and effective application of CAM. Enhancing pharmacy curricula with evidence-based CAM content and strengthening regulatory frameworks are recommended.References
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