Exploring complementary and alternative medicine practices among pharmacy students in Nigeria: A national survey

Abstract

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used in Nigeria, yet formal training on CAM within pharmacy education has only recently gained attention. Understanding pharmacy students’ use and perceptions of CAM is essential for effective curriculum integration. This study assessed CAM usage prevalence, patterns, and perceived effectiveness of commonly used CAM modalities among undergraduate pharmacy students in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate pharmacy students. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, use of herbal medicines and self-practices in the past 12 months and currently, and perceived helpfulness of commonly used CAM modalities. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise findings. Results: Herbal medicine use was common (20.2%), with Moringa oleifera and Zingiber officinale (ginger) being the most frequently reported herbs. Self-practices such as prayer (79.5%), relaxation (56.9%), meditation (51.4%), and imagery (40.6%) were widely practised. Most users perceived both herbal medicines and self-practices as helpful, with over 90% reporting positive outcomes for commonly used modalities. Minimal differences were observed between past and current use patterns. Conclusion: Pharmacy students in Nigeria view CAM modalities as beneficial, indicating cultural acceptance and personal involvement despite limited training. This underscores the need to incorporate evidence-based CAM education into the pharmacy curriculum to improve students' knowledge and counseling skills.