1College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Korea. 2Jukseong Elementary School, Busan, Korea. 3Department of Nursing Research Institute of Nursing Science, Pusan National University, Korea. youngrancho@yahoo.co.kr
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study was done to examine the experience of school health instructors in applying complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM).
METHOD: The participants were 215 health instructors working in elementary schools in Busan. Data were collected from Dec. 1, 2004 to Mar. 10, 2005 and were analyzed using SPSS WIN 10.0.
RESULTS: Most of the health instructors had knowledge about CAM. Among the various CAM methods, acupuncture was the most widely known at 78.6%. While 53.5% had no experience in CAM education, 46.5% had been trained. Slightly over half (52.1%) had used CAM at school and based their decision on personal experience. As to applicability of CAM at school, 72.1% thought CAM was applicable, and 78.7% of this group considered alleviation of symptoms and assistance in the treatment process as the reasons for their answer. There were significant differences in responses as to the applicability of CAM according to age (p=.002), work experience (p=.004) and educational background (p=.002).
CONCLUSIONS: The above results suggest that there is a need to develop a professional education program on complimentary and alternative medicine to assist school health instructorsto plan nursing interventions using CAM which are individualized and practical
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