Satisfaction with and factors related to medicinal herb consumption in older Iranian adults

Abstract

IntroductionSeveral factors may have led to herbal medicines consumption, especially in older adults. However, the frequency of satisfaction with, and factors related to the use of medicinal herbs in older adults are not clear. The present study explored the satisfaction with and factors pertaining to medicinal herb use in a sample of Iranian older adults. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 770 old citizens of Kashan, Iran in 2016. A random cluster sampling method was used. The data collection instrument was developed by the researchers and contained questions on demographic variables, the history of known chronic disorders, history of medicinal herb use, the reason for choosing medicinal herbs, subjects’ knowledge on medicinal herbs, and their satisfaction with the medicinal herbs used. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. ResultsApproximately, 67.8% of the older adults (72.8% females and 62.4% males) used medicinal herbs. Most of the subjects (60%) were satisfied with their consumption of medicinal herbs. A statistically significant association was found between the use of medicinal herbs and having disorders such as cancer (p = 0.006) and hyperlipidemia (p = 0.006). Most of the older adults (48.57%) were highly likely to believe in the efficacy of herbs. ConclusionsMedicinal herb consumption was prevalent among older adults -especially among those with chronic conditions- over half were satisfied with the use of herbs. It is necessary to develop training programs on the safe use of herbs for the community and especially for older adults.