Knowledge, Acceptance, and Use of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine Among Peruvian Medical Students: Insights from a Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Background Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (T&CM) is widely used in Peru, especially in Andean and Amazonian regions. However, its place in medical curricula remains limited. Objective To evaluate knowledge, acceptance, and use of T&CM among Peruvian medical students through a multicenter survey and to identify factors associated with these outcomes. Methods We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study (March–June 2025) in 15 medical schools located in the coast, highlands, and rainforest regions. A random sample of 855 students completed a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression with robust variance. Results Median age was 22 years; 59.2% were women. Nearly all students (95.9%) reported knowledge of at least one T&CM modality; 65.3% expressed acceptance and 75.7% reported use. Acceptance was higher among women (aPR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.12–1.37), students speaking a native language (aPR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.26), and those with prior training (aPR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.07–1.30). Similar factors were associated with use: female sex (aPR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.18–1.41), native language (aPR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.05–1.28), and training (aPR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.10–1.33). Students with higher acceptance were more likely to use T&CM (aPR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.52–1.92). Most students were willing to receive training (88.3%) and favored integration of T&CM into practice (87.3%), though fewer supported recognition as a specialty (44.9%). Conclusions This multicenter study shows high awareness but lower acceptance and use of T&CM among Peruvian medical students. Gender, cultural background, and training strongly influence attitudes. Findings highlight the demand for standardized, evidence-based curricular integration to prepare culturally competent physicians.