Knowledge, Attitude and Utilization of Complementary and Alternative Therapies among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-sectional Assessment

Introduction: Available literature consistently highlights that the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is more prevalent among healthcare workers than in the general population.This trend has significant implications for the integration of CAM into routine clinical practice, particularly in developing countries where CAM often remains the most accessible and affordable form of care.Therefore, it is essential to assess healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of CAM to identify gaps and provide targeted training that can enhance safe and effective practice.Research methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 100 healthcare workers-including doctors, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and physiotherapists-employed at a multispecialty hospital in a developing country.Total enumerative sampling was applied to the conveniently selected participants.Results: Among 100 healthcare workers, nurses were the largest group (43%).Complementary and alternative medicine prevalence was 54% for natural products/nutritional supplements and 57% for mind-body practices, with supplements and yoga being the most common.Over half (53%) had poor knowledge, and most (87%) showed negative attitudes toward CAM.Nurses had higher odds of using nutritional supplements (AOR = 4.35, p = 0.03), technicians of yoga (AOR = 8.17, p = 0.019), and pharmacists of massage therapy (AOR = 16.00,p = 0.003).Participants with <1 year of experience were less likely to use massage than those with >5 years (AOR = 0.17, p = 0.005).Conclusion: Complementary and alternative medicine use was common among healthcare workers, particularly nutritional supplements and yoga.However, knowledge and attitudes toward its use were largely poor and negative.