Práticas integrativas e complementares em saúde na formação acadêmica: estudo quantitativo transversal com estudantes de cursos de graduação em ciências da saúde

Abstract

Introduction: integrative and Complementary Health Practices (ICHP) are important for comprehensive care within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), as established by Law No. 8.080/90. However, studies indicate a lack of knowledge about these practices in the training of health professionals. General objective: To analyze the opinions, attitudes, interests, and use of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices among undergraduate students in Health Sciences programs at a Federal University. Materials and Methods: This was a quantitative, analytical, and exploratory cross-sectional study, with a convenience sample of undergraduate students enrolled in Health Sciences programs at the Federal University of Sergipe. Data were collected online and in person through a self-administered questionnaire (sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and ICHP) between December 2024 and May 2025. Descriptive statistical analysis (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) and association tests (Chisquare and Fisher’s exact test) were performed using SPSS software (version 20.0). Results: a total of 290 students participated in the study, most of whom self-identified as Black/Brown (60%), with a mean age of 22.77 years. The majority were female (63.8%), had no children (96.9%), reported a family income of up to two minimum wages (51.4%), did not engage in paid work (91.7%), and did not receive a university scholarship (83.1%). Most participants (72.1%) recognized the health benefits of ICHP, 44.8% had previously used ICHP, and 15.5% reported current use for health care. However, formal academic exposure was low, as 70.3% had not attended courses or disciplines addressing the topic, despite recognizing the importance of learning about ICHP at the university (97.3%). The analysis showed that female sex and the presence of a health condition were significantly associated with greater use of and interest in training in ICHP (p < 0.05). Perceived importance of learning about ICHP at the university was strongly associated with interest in training courses (p < 0.001). In addition, following ICHP-related profiles or groups on social media was significantly associated with participation in academic activities related to ICHP, including disciplines (p < 0.001), extension projects (p < 0.001), and research groups (p < 0.001). Final considerations: The study demonstrated high receptivity, interest, and personal use of ICHP among undergraduate Health Sciences students. However, this enthusiasm contrasts with limited and incipient formal academic training. This curricular dissonance prevents high interest from being legitimized by evidence-based knowledge and highlights the need to restructure curricula to integrate ICHP transversally. Such integration would ensure that future health professionals are able to apply these practices ethically, safely, and comprehensively, in alignment with the principles of the SUS.