Physicians' and Pharmacists' Knowledge, Thoughts, and Attitudes of Homeopathy: A Comparative Survey in Türkiye.

Abstract

Background Homeopathy, included in traditional and complementary medicine (TCM), is defined as a complementary treatment that aims to improve health through personalized therapy. Physicians and pharmacists play a crucial role in the practice of homeopathy and the delivery of homeopathic medicinal products to the public in Türkiye. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, thoughts, and attitudes of physicians and pharmacists on homeopathy in accordance with Turkish regulations. Methods This descriptive study was carried out on physicians and pharmacists via a web-based questionnaire method. The survey form includes three sections and twenty-three questions. Participants received the survey form via Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn. A total of 475 questionnaires that met the data quality criteria were included in the study. The analysis of the data was performed with the SPSS 23.0 statistical program, with a statistical significance level set at p < 0.05. Results The study population included 70.3% (n = 334) pharmacists and 29.7% (n = 141) physicians. The study's results demonstrate that 86.5% of participants had heard of the concept of homeopathy. It was found that a higher rate of hearing of homeopathy was associated with being a pharmacist (OR: 31.5, p = 0.000) and having ten years or more of professional experience (OR: 7.274, p = 0.000). The participants had correct knowledge about the definition and basic principles of homeopathy. The respondents lacked knowledge on certain aspects of the regulation of homeopathic practice in Türkiye. The primary source of information for pharmacists was undergraduate courses (n = 185, 58.2%), but for physicians, it was social media/television (n = 41, 50.0%). 70.1% (n = 288) thought that homeopathy needs to be incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum. 91.7% of participants thought that further scientific research on homeopathy is required. Conclusion Homeopathy courses should be integrated into undergraduate education to improve the awareness of healthcare professionals. Further, the organization of seminars and training courses would enhance their knowledge of the relevant subject.