Association of pharmacy students' cultural beliefs with perceived knowledge, beliefs, confidence, and experience with complementary medicine

Abstract

Background and purpose Culture has been shown to inform patients' acceptance and use of complementary medicine (CM) treatment. It is unknown how a pharmacist or pharmacy student's culture may be associated with perceptions of CM relating to patient care. Gaining a better understanding of this concept within student populations may inform educational needs for programs situated within culturally diverse settings. The purpose of this study was to explore how pharmacy students' cultural beliefs influence perceived knowledge, confidence, and practice with respect to CM.

Educational activity and setting A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all undergraduate pharmacy (professional years 1–4) and postgraduate doctor of pharmacy students. Results from the item “CM is an important aspect of my culture” were correlated with all other items using Spearman's correlation coefficient.

Findings Senior students who had completed a two-credit hour course appeared to be more confident in their practice skills relating to CM and showed positive correlations with culture and effectiveness of CM. Senior students acknowledged the importance of CM knowledge as a student and within pharmacy practice. Junior students showed a positive correlation with culture and past use.

Summary Pharmacy students in the College of pharmacy were positive towards the use of CM, with culture playing an important role. Students who perceived CM as an important aspect of their culture were more confident in their practice skills relating to CM. Future research is required to assess impact of students' cultural beliefs on practice.