Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Kuenga Sonam Kidu Medical Service Center Kuenga Sonam 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Tharpala Tharpala National Traditional Medicine Hospital, Thimphu Tharpala Tharpala
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Dorji Gyeltshen National Traditional Medicine Hospital Dorji Gyeltshen
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Sonam Wangzin Rabjay Central Regional Referral Hospital Sonam Wangzin Rabjay
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Thinley Dorji Central Regional Referral Hospital Thinley Dorji
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Knowledge, attitude and utilization of Traditional Medicine services among students in selected colleges in Bhutan: a cross-sectional study |
| Public title | Knowledge, attitude and utilization of Traditional Medicine services among students in selected colleges in Bhutan: a cross-sectional study |
| Background | In many low- and middle-income countries including Bhutan, Traditional Medicine is an important component of the healthcare system. Sowa Rigpa services are delivered through Traditional Medicines that are co-located with allopathic hospitals in all twenty districts in the country. Over the years, there has been increasing number of patients who have availed Traditional Medicine Services. However, the level of service utilization and their attitude towards Traditional Medicine is not known among the youths. |
| Objectives | To describe the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding utilization of Traditional Medicine services among students studying in selected tertiary level colleges in Bhutan in 2025 – 2026. |
| Study Methods | This will be a cross-sectional survey among students studying in six selected colleges in Bhutan. Sample size was calculated based on proportions with an assumption that 50% of the participants will have good knowledge score, a design effect of 2 and a 15% drop out rate. A study tool has been designed for the purpose of this study with the questionnaire items assessed for content validity. Data collection will be done using REDCap, an online data collection form hosted at the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | This study will describe the knowledge score, attitudes and practices regarding Traditional Medicine services. Factors associated with the knowledge score will be assessed using multivariable linear regression. |
| Keywords | Health Behaviour; Health Services; Holistic Health; Health Policy; Plant Extracts; Traditional Medicine |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Oct-2025 |
| End Date | 30-Nov-2025 |
| Key Implementing Institution | National Traditional Medicine Hospital |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Health Care Seeking/Utilization |
| Involves human subjects | No |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |