Knowledge, attitudes, and consumption behavior of supplements and traditional medicines among Jember University students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for 3 years since it was established by the WHO in 2020. COVID-19 can be prevented by improving the immune system by consuming supplements and traditional medicines. Objective: This study aimed to determine knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards supplements and traditional medicines used by Jember University students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This research design was a cross-sectional observational analytic study. The sample size was 606 Jember University students. Samples were taken using the convenience sampling method with online questionnaire instruments. The data obtained were analyzed by Chi-Square, Fisher’s Exact, and descriptive. Results: During the pandemic, 45.9% of respondents consumed supplements and/or traditional remedies to maintain health (80.6%). Knowledge and attitudes showed a significant difference (p≤0.05), so it was concluded that knowledge affects attitudes towards supplements and traditional medicines used. Supplement use behavior showed that some were taking supplements and some were not for various reasons. Conclusion: The majority of respondents have knowledge and attitudes in the medium category. Sociodemographic factors that influence the knowledge and attitudes of Jember University students toward supplements and traditional medicine used during the COVID-19 pandemic were level of education and discipline. Respondents' behavior showed that most of them did not take supplements because they had been vaccinated.