Factors related to the use of Herbal Medicine in Primary Care Units in Phuket Province

Abstract

Abstract

This descriptive research : The study of general characteristics and knowledge of a population.

Review: Herbal medicines and the relationship between demographic characteristics, knowledge, and opinions in herbal medicine prescribing and herbal medicine prescribing among health personnel in primary care units in Phuket Province. 112 people were surveyed  from January to June 2023. Data was collected from their answers using a questionnaire. Statistical data was analysed using frequency distribution, percentage, mean, standard deviation. and the Chi-square Test was used in statistical analysis of the data collectes (c2, Fisher Exact test, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation content analysis). The results showed that most of the people interviewed were female, 72.3% aged between 31-40 years, 34.8% were single, 43.7% were public health academics, 38.4% had a bachelor's degree, 86.6% had work experience. In the period of 6-15 years, 32.1% of the women earned a monthly income of more than 25,000 baht, 42.9% of them were  prescribed herbal medicines on occasion, 58.9%. The top 3 most commonly used herbal medicines are Andrographis paniculata capsules (67.0%), Tamarind cough syrup (61.1%), and Ma Waeng cough lozenges        ( 52.7) , respectively. The top 3 symptoms the medicines were prescribed by health personnel were flu (73.2%), cough with phlegm (66.01%), and flatulence (47.3%) , respectively. The overall level of knowledge in prescribing herbal medicine was at a moderate level (72.3%) and 67.9% at medium level. We found that professional and work experience is related to the frequency of herbal medicines being prescribed. This is reflected especially in Phuket Primary Care Unit where data collected was  statistically significant (a <0.05).

The strategy for promoting the use of herbal medicine prescriptions should go through proper channels and learning centers of Thai traditional medicine working in tandem with  local wisdom in the community. The regulatory system with regards to Thai traditional medicine should be promoted and developed. Factors that hinder the prescription of herbal medicines is that the service unit does not have Thai traditional medicine and officials still lack knowledge resulting in people lacking confidence in the use of herbal medicines. Herbal medicines are high in cost, expire quickly and lack serious promotion from relevant parties. The use of herbal medicines should be promoted in every service unit. Based on the research results, knowledge on the use of herbs should be promoted and developed among personnel. Provide Thai traditional medicine in every service unit at the primary care level. and establish guidelines for the use of herbal medicines and a list of herbal medicines that are adequate and cover the patient's illness to cause more drug prescriptions.

Keyword : Factors related, Herbal Medicine, Primary Care Unit