Experiences and Perceptions Toward Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine Among Conventional Medicine Practitioners of Mangalore, India

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify experiences and perception of conventional (Western, allopathic) medical practitioners toward integrative, complementary, and alternative medicine (ICAM). Methods: There are approximately 1200 conventional medical doctors in Mangalore, India. In February 2017, semistructured self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 200 medical practitioners. The association between categorical variables was analyzed using a χ² test and those involving continuous variables using unpaired t test, analysis of variance, and Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation. A P value ≤. 05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the surveys, 163 were returned and 129 were satisfactorily completed, giving a response rate of 64.5%. Mean age was 39.9 ± 11.9 years, and most 94 (72.9%) were male. A majority, 96 (74.4%), recommended ICAM to their patients. Nine had some training in ICAM modalities, and 76 (58.9%) participants reported personal usage of ICAM. Regarding perception toward effectiveness of ICAM, 33 (25.6%) felt that it was effective or somewhat effective. However, 82 (63.6%) participants felt that lack of sufficient scientific evidence was a major drawback of ICAM. However, 39 (30.2%) participants felt that ICAM should be part of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery curricula. Favorable perception toward ICAM (P <. 001) and personal usage of ICAM (P <. 001) was associated with participants recommending any ICAM for their patients. Elderly practitioners (aged above 65 years) (P =. 003) and practitioners with favorable perception regarding effectiveness of ICAM (P =. 033) recommended a higher number of types of ICAM to their patients. Favorable perception toward effectiveness of ICAM was associated with favorable perception toward inclusion of ICAM in medical curriculum among participants (P =. 002). Conclusion: Most participants recommended ICAM to their patients and also reported personal usage of the same.