ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND CHALLENGES TOWARD THE USE OF HERBAL MEDICINES IN ADULTS
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Abstract
Background: Herbal medicine has long been a cornerstone of healthcare, offering a range of therapeutic effects derived from natural sources. Despite advancements in conventional treatments, herbal therapies remain popular, especially among adults. Objectives: The broad objectives of the study are usage, challenges, attitudes, knowledge,
and willingness toward the use of herbal medicine among adults in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Uhunmwonde Local Government
Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. The study population comprised adults aged 18 years and above who have used, are currently using, or have any relevant knowledge of herbal medicine. Data was collected using a questionnaire that was designed based on the requirement and literature review. The questionnaire was divided into sections covering socio-socio-demographics, gathering information on participants’ age, gender, education,
occupation, religion, and ethnicity to provide a detailed profile. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 software. Results: Overall, 280 participants were enrolled. Most of the respondents (54, 19.3%) were aged 60-69 years, with a nearly balanced gender distribution (42.2% male, 57.9% female). Herbal medicine use was prevalent among respondents, with 76.1% having used it and 47.5% currently using it. However, 26.1% faced challenges in finding reliable information, and 17.5% struggled with determining the correct dosage. Traditional healers were the
most common source (103/280), followed by healthcare professionals (46/280) and books/magazines (41/280). Males used self-prepared remedies more than females
(p=0.009), while females preferred herbal vendors. Higher education levels were associated with increased use of pharmacies, while those with no formal education relied
on traditional healers (p=0.000). Conclusion: The study highlights the usage, challenges, attitudes, knowledge, and
willingness toward herbal medicine among adult patients. Findings indicate that while many older adults in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area use herbal medicines, barriers such as accessibility, safety concerns, and lack of proper guidance hinder their optimal use.
Keywords: Herbal medicines, Adults, Challenges and barriers, Attitudes, Knowledge.
and willingness toward the use of herbal medicine among adults in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Uhunmwonde Local Government
Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. The study population comprised adults aged 18 years and above who have used, are currently using, or have any relevant knowledge of herbal medicine. Data was collected using a questionnaire that was designed based on the requirement and literature review. The questionnaire was divided into sections covering socio-socio-demographics, gathering information on participants’ age, gender, education,
occupation, religion, and ethnicity to provide a detailed profile. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 software. Results: Overall, 280 participants were enrolled. Most of the respondents (54, 19.3%) were aged 60-69 years, with a nearly balanced gender distribution (42.2% male, 57.9% female). Herbal medicine use was prevalent among respondents, with 76.1% having used it and 47.5% currently using it. However, 26.1% faced challenges in finding reliable information, and 17.5% struggled with determining the correct dosage. Traditional healers were the
most common source (103/280), followed by healthcare professionals (46/280) and books/magazines (41/280). Males used self-prepared remedies more than females
(p=0.009), while females preferred herbal vendors. Higher education levels were associated with increased use of pharmacies, while those with no formal education relied
on traditional healers (p=0.000). Conclusion: The study highlights the usage, challenges, attitudes, knowledge, and
willingness toward herbal medicine among adult patients. Findings indicate that while many older adults in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area use herbal medicines, barriers such as accessibility, safety concerns, and lack of proper guidance hinder their optimal use.
Keywords: Herbal medicines, Adults, Challenges and barriers, Attitudes, Knowledge.
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