Utilization of traditional and complementary medicine in Indonesia: Results of a national survey in 2014–15

Abstract

Background and purposeScant information exists about traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) use in Indonesia, which prompted investigating its prevalence and correlates in Indonesia. Materials and methodsParticipants were 31,415 individuals 15 years and older that participated in the cross-sectional Indonesia Family Life Survey in 2014–15. ResultsIn all, 24.4% had used a traditional practitioner and/or traditional medicine in the past four weeks, and 32.9% had used complementary medicine in the past four weeks. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, being of older age, being a Muslim, residing in an urban area or on Java, being unhealthy, having a chronic condition, having depression symptoms, experiencing sleep disturbance, and having high social support were associated with both current traditional practitioner and/or medicine use and complementary medicine use. ConclusionThe study shows a high prevalence of TCAM use in Indonesia and several sociodemographic and health related factors of its use were identified.