Knowledge Attitude and Behavior of traditional herbal medicine used for oral health care among elderly in Yangchumnoi District, Sisaket province

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the behavior, knowledge, attitude and to explore the relationships between personal factors, knowledge, attitude with the behavior of using herbal remedies for oral health among elderly individuals in Sisaket Province. The samples consisted of 383 elderly individuals aged between 60 and 79 years. Data were collected using questionnaires: personal factors, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of using herbal remedies for oral health with the reliability of the questionnaire tested at 0.714, 0.843, and 0.944. The data collection was conducted from November 15 to November 30, 2024. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics including number, percentage, mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics which is Spearman's correlation coefficient.

The study results revealed that the behavior was at the low level (54.31%), knowledge was at a moderate level (60.05%) and attitude was at a moderate level (91.39%). The relationship between personal factors, knowledge, attitudes with the behavior of using traditional herbal medicine for oral health among the sample group presented that age (r_s=0.175, p<0.001), knowledge (r_s=0.282, p<0.001) and attitude (r_s=0.38, p=0.003) were significantly correlated with behavior. Application of research findings to as a guideline for organizing oral health care activities for the elderly through the use of local Herbal Remedies to enhance effectiveness and reduce oral diseases.