SÖNMEZ SAĞLAM, MÜCAHİD OSMAN YÜCEL, RAŞİT EMİN DALASLAN, ZEKERİYA OKAN KARADUMAN, MEHMET ARICAN, YUNUS EMRE BULUM
International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research - 2025;6(2):121-126
Objective: Traditional and complementary treatment (T&CT) methods are widely used by individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, yet limited data exist regarding their utilization patterns and associated factors among orthopedic patients in Türkiye. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, types, and determinants of T&CT use among patients attending an orthopedic outpatient clinic. Material-Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Düzce University Faculty of Medicine between October 1, 2024, and February 1, 2025. A total of 734 patients were screened, and 138 participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Data were collected using a structured, literature-based questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 50.7 ± 12.3 years, and 72.5% were female. The most frequently used T&CT methods were wet cupping (87.7%), leech therapy (42.0%), and ozone therapy (21.7%). Nearly half of the patients (49.3%) had undergone T&CT three or more times. Statistically significant associations were found between female gender and both leech therapy (p = 0.0021) and acupuncture (p = 0.0237). Willingness to reuse T&CT was more common among those treated by informal practitioners (p = 0.0496). Conclusion: T&CT use is highly prevalent among orthopedic patients. Gender, education level, and type of provider influence treatment preferences. These findings underscore the importance of integrating safe and regulated T&CT approaches into orthopedic care pathways.
