A study of factors affecting the selection for eye disease treatment with Rattan Thorns performed by Thai Traditional Medical Practitioners

Abstract

Eye disease treatment by Rattan Thorns is a Thai traditional practice that remains in the early stages of clinical evaluation; however, it has attracted substantial public interest. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The objectives were to examine factors affecting treatment selection for eye diseases with Rattan Thorns and to explore the decision-making process underlying the selection of this treatment. The study sample consisted of 61 patients who received eye disease treatment by Rattan Thorns at the Thai Traditional Ophthalmology Clinic, Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, Prachinburi Province. Thirty participants were purposively selected as key informants. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, health-related factors, marketing factors, and factors related to trust and faith. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews focusing on decision-making processes and were analyzed using content analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1) demographic characteristics: the majority of participants were female, aged 60–69 years, held a bachelor’s degree, were retired civil servants, and reported a monthly income of 30,000 baht or higher. 2) Health-related factors: most participants reported blurred vision as their primary complaint. 3) Marketing factors: service location exerted the greatest influence on treatment selection, with a mean score of 4.77. 4) Trust and faith factors: perceived treatment safety was identified as the most influential factor for service selection. 5) Decision-making process factors: these findings reflected variations in patients’ confidence and and attitudes toward treatment, which were shaped by individual experiences and personal health needs.