Attitudes and Opinions of Medical Students about Hijama
Keywords:
hijama, cupping therapy, medical students, complementary medicineAbstract
Introduction: Hijama (cupping therapy) is an ancient method originating from Chinese and Arabic medicine. It is based on creating a vacuum using a cup on the body. There is dry (vacuum-only) and wet hijama (with small cuts on the skin to drain blood). This practice requires contemporary scientific assessment and regulation in the modern health care system.
Aim: The aim of the research was to analyze the level of knowledge, attitudes, and professional beliefs about hijama among medical students.
Materials and Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted on a sample of 51 medical students. The questionnaire included questions about definition, scientific basis, ethical standards, and willingness to recommend to patients. Response frequencies were analyzed to determine dominant attitudes.
Results: 86% of students are familiar with hijama, which is most often defined as complementary medicine along with modern therapies (about 27%). Attitudes are predominantly positive (47%), with 55% of respondents believing that it should be used as a supplement to classical medicine. However, caution is emphasized: 59% of respondents consider hijama to be only partially scientifically based. 48% of respondents would recommend it to patients in certain cases. There is a strong consensus that performance must be regulated. 67% of respondents believe that hijama should only be performed by doctors of medicine and dentistry with additional training due to the need for knowledge of anatomy and complications. Almost the same percentage (67% of students) expresses the desire for formal education about hijama within the study program.
Conclusion: Medical students see the potential of hijama as a complementary method, but emphasize the necessity of a scientific foundation and professional regulation. The results suggest that integrative medicine topics, including hijama, should be introduced into the medical curriculum to ensure safe practice only by qualified professionals.
