Elderly Community Research Articles

Community beliefs and practices about diabetes and their implications for the prevention and management of diabetes in Southeast Ghana.

Diabetes is a major public health issue, and over half a billion people are estimated to be living with diabetes, with 6.7million deaths reported in 2021. The global diabetes burden has been recognised and included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a zero increase in diabetes cases and reduce one-third of premature diabetes deaths by 2030. However, local beliefs about the causes of diabetes have affected its prevention and management. This study examined community beliefs and practices about diabetes and how they affect the prevention and management of diabetes in the community. This study was carried out in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana. We conducted 33 in-depth interviews with 18 patients with diabetes, 5 carers (caretakers of patients with diabetes), 3 traditional healers, 2 religious leaders, 3 community elders, and 2 assembly members who were purposefully selected from urban and rural areas across the municipality. The interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data using QRS NVivo 20. Diabetes was described locally as sukli dɔ (sugar disease), which affects humans. Diabetes is believed to be caused by spiritual forces (juju, bewitchment, and punishment from gods) and physical factors (unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, eating fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides and insecticides, sugary and starchy foods, smoking, and abuse of alcohol). In terms of the management of diabetes, participants said traditional remedies are performed for spiritual interpretation, deliverance, fortification, and cleansing before biomedical and physical remedies are sought. Diabetes was likened to HIV/AIDS, and the sufferers were described as bringing the condition upon themselves as a result of their bad deeds. They were stigmatised, coupled with delays at the hospital, and poverty has also affected the prevention and management of diabetes. The local belief that diabetes is caused by spiritual forces, likened to HIV/AIDS, delays at hospitals, and poverty, has affected the prevention and management of diabetes. Incorporating local beliefs and practices into the intervention design using culturally sensitive health education programmes and improving social determinants of health may help improve the prevention and management of diabetes in communities.

Culturally Aligned Aged-Care Services: Addressing Needs and Barriers in General Santos City, Philippines

The aging population in General Santos City, Philippines, presents unique challenges in accessing and delivering appropriate aged-care services. This study aimed to identify the preferred aged-care services among the elderly population in General Santos City, considering their cultural values and needs, and to propose a framework for developing culturally aligned aged-care support services for the elderly in General Santos City. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. In-depth interviews with 30 elderly residents, community leaders, and caregivers were conducted to gather information on their preferences and needs for aged-care services. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. A survey questionnaire was also used to collect quantitative data on the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their perceptions of the importance of various aged-care services. The findings indicated healthcare services, home-based care, and social support as essential components of aged-care services. Barriers to accessing services included availability, affordability, accessibility, and awareness. Culturally sensitive, family-centered, and community-based care was preferred. The study also found that the elderly in General Santos City have a strong preference for culturally aligned aged-care services that are family-centered and community-based. They also expressed a need for affordable and accessible healthcare services, as well as social support services to reduce isolation and promote mental well-being. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for a holistic aged-care approach that integrates healthcare services, home-based care, and social support, while considering cultural values and addressing barriers to access. The proposed aged-care services emphasize culturally sensitive, family-centered, and community-based models of care. These models should be tailored to the specific needs of the elderly population in General Santos City, taking into account their cultural values and beliefs.

Barriers and facilitators to antenatal care services utilisation in Somaliland: a qualitative study.

To explore the barriers and facilitators of antenatal care (ANC) utilisation in Somaliland. An exploratory qualitative study design. Various settings were considered for study including maternal and child health clinics, hospitals and community. 74 study participants including 33 pregnant women, 22 healthcare providers, 10 community elders and ten religious leaders were purposively selected. Data was collected via focus group discussion and in-depth interviews in the local Somali language. The data was audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English and imported into NVivo V.12 software. Thematic framework analysis was used to assess barriers and facilitators of ANC utilisation. Six main themes were identified as barriers of ANC utilisation. These include lack of awareness, long distance and lack of transportation access, economic barriers, lack of social support, beliefs and thoughts and health facility-related factors such as caregivers approach, waiting time and inadequate skill of providers. Proper dissemination of ANC information, adequate spousal support and cheap pricing of services were found to be facilitators of ANC uptake. A strategy that focuses on raising awareness about ANC, making it accessible by reducing the cost-of-service charge, encouraging partner involvement, improving the quality of services and making it customer-friendly will help to overcome the barriers of antenatal utilisation.

The Relationship Between Social Isolation, Psychological Resilience, and Psychological Well-Being Among Older People in the Community

Objective: To explore the relationship between social isolation, psychological resilience, and psychological well-being in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted with 265 community-dwelling older adults using the Social Isolation Scale for the Elderly (C-SIS), the 10-item Brief Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Comprehensive Happiness Questionnaire (MHQ). The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Results: The highest score on the Social Isolation Scale for Community Elderly was 23, with a mean entry score of 2.36 ± 0.62. A score of 14 was the cut-off point, with scores of ≤ 14 classified as social isolation. There were 136 cases with scores below 14, resulting in a social isolation incidence rate of 51.3%. The median (P50) psychological resilience score was 27, indicating a higher level of resilience. The total score on the Psychological Well-being Scale was 161, suggesting a moderate to slightly higher level of well-being. Social isolation had a direct negative effect on psychological well-being, while psychological resilience had a positive effect. Conclusion: Older adults should be supported in reducing the incidence of social isolation and increasing psychological resilience to enhance psychological well-being and promote successful aging.

The Impact of Illegal Mining on Sports Participation and Community Well-being in Ghana: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Development

This study aims to evaluate the effects of illegal mining on sports participation and community well-being in Ghana. The study specifically seeks to determine the impact of galamsey activities on community health, athlete development, sports infrastructure, and general sports participation in areas affected by mining. This study evaluates the effects of illegal mining on sports engagement and community well-being in Ghana. The Galamsey, an illegal small-scale mining practice, negatively impacts social infrastructures, particularly community well-being and sports participation. The report suggests that there are health hazards from environmental pollution, deteriorating sporting facilities, and a decline in youth involvement due to unlawful mining activities. However, the shift towards mining has disrupted sustainable livelihoods and communal cohesiveness, impeding local talent and community growth. The study used a qualitative research technique to examine the effects of illicit mining on Manso Datano and Keniago in Amansie West and Amansie South Districts. Thirty participants, including youth leaders, teachers, coaches, health workers, and community elders, were interviewed. This study highlights the devastation of sports facilities, health risks, and mitigating measures. It also highlights the decline in parental and school involvement in sports, as well as the absence of equipment, upkeep, and enthusiasm for sports activities. The study recommends community engagement tactics, public awareness campaigns, school assistance, community activities, and legal actions to lessen these effects. Policy reforms, funding for sports infrastructure restoration, and the integration of health and sports activities are proposed as vital steps towards sustainable development and recovery in affected areas.

Preparedness, Challenges, and Opportunities for Digital Intervention for Chronic Disease Management: A Qualitative Study in Rural Areas of South Korea

ABSTRACT Motivated by the prevalence of an aging population and the associated increase in chronic diseases, coupled with rising medical expenditure, the Korean government initiated a pilot project in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, a rural area, to implement a “smart online-to-offline (O2O) digital health care model” aimed at managing and preventing chronic diseases. However, there is limited understanding regarding perspectives and levels of preparedness for digital health among stakeholders at various levels. In-depth focus group interviews were conducted with elderly and non-elderly community members, health care providers, and staff members at Pyeongchang Health and Medical Center. The study found the presence of both positive and negative perceptions and a lack of preparedness across different levels. At the end-user level, it was observed that community members, especially the elderly, have low levels of health and digital literacy, compounded by limited access to social support. At the health care provider level, there was uncertainty about the acceptance of the digital health program. At the area level, the need to bolster health staff members and enhance their capacity was observed. Recommendations include: customizing the design of the online and offline service components by considering end-user factors (such as age, occupation, and household type) that may contribute to disparities in health; establishing a platform for providers to share their experiences to facilitate the effective incorporation of digital health into their practices; and preparing an appropriate provider payment mechanism.

Satisfaction with Life Among Elderly Participants in Active Maturity Groups: A Comparative Study with Institutionalized and Community Elderly Individuals

Objective: To compare levels of life satisfaction among three distinct groups of elderly individuals: those residing within the community, those in institutional care, and those engaged in an active aging program. Additionally, to explore the factors associated with this measure of well-being within each group. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023. Participants aged 60 years or older were recruited from three groups: community-dwelling individuals, those in institutional settings, and participants in an active aging program. Data collection included sociodemographic variables, self-rated general health status, duration of sedentary behavior, levels of intrinsic religiosity, feelings of hope, and degrees of social isolation. The primary outcome assessed was life satisfaction. Results: The study included 305 elderly individuals: 115 (37.7%) from the active aging program, 119 (39.0%) from the community, and 71 (23.3%) institutionalized individuals. Institutionalized participants were older, engaged in longer durations of sedentary behavior, had lower educational attainment, and reported poorer health perceptions. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that hope, social isolation, and self-rated health were significantly associated with life satisfaction. Conclusion: The findings highlighted the importance of hope, social support, and self-rated health as primary determinants of life satisfaction among the elderly. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, group affiliation (community, active aging program, or institutionalized) did not emerge as a significant factor, suggesting the need for personalized, person-centered approaches to optimize elderly well-being.

The Role of Social Media for the Elderly in Lembean Village, Kauditan District, North Minahasa Regency

This study aims to determine the role of social media for the elderly in Lembean Village, Kauditan District. Based on the definition of WHO (World Health Organization), the elderly are people who are in the age range of over 60 years. The use of social media can provide the elderly with social activities and communication to live a happy and joyful old age, the theory of social activity Successful aging depends on how an elderly person feels satisfaction in doing activities and maintaining those activities. Spradley's qualitative research method; study of individuals/groups with the aim of describing cultural characteristics more deeply systematically in their own space and time. the number of informants is 4 people, namely 2 elderly women and 2 elderly men using purposive sampling techniques, in-depth interview data collection techniques, analyzed and described. The results of the study obtained the role of social media for the elderly in Lembean Village, namely; a means of social activity through whats app groups with family, elderly community groups, religious groups; a means of entertainment activities by exposing daily activities both at home and outside the home; a means of information sources of joy or sorrow and events in the outside world through Facebook, a means of economic activity exposing sales for elderly people who are still productive. Social media becomes a means of digital activity for the elderly to fill their time at home, a source of information and a means of immortalizing activities with photos.

Higher CALLY index levels indicate lower sarcopenia risk among middle-aged and elderly community residents as well as hospitalized patients.

The C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index, which integrates albumin, lymphocytes, and C-reactive protein levels, has emerged as a novel method to assess nutritional and inflammatory statuses in patients. This study examined the correlation between the CALLY index and sarcopenia risk using two cohorts: 1804 community dwellers from the NHANES database in the United States and 139 patients from the Department of Gerontology at Kunshan Hospital, China. In the US community cohort, RCS curve analysis was used to examine the non-linear relationship between inflammatory/nutritional markers and sarcopenia, subgroup analysis was also conducted. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between the CALLY index and the risk of sarcopenia in both cohorts. Results demonstrated a significant non-linear relationship between the CALLY index and the risk of sarcopenia (P < 0.001). Elevated levels of the CALLY index are independently linked to a decreased risk of sarcopenia in both community residents (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.20-0.57, Q3 CALLY index and OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.56, Q4 CALLY index) and hospitalized patients (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-0.96). This finding identified low CALLY index as a conveniently measurable parameter, serving as a nutritional and inflammatory risk factor for sarcopenia.

Manifestation and Management of Cultural Heritage: An Analysis of the Old Towns of Kenyan Coastal Region

The study examined the current manifestation of intangible and tangible cultural heritage of old towns of Lamu and Mombasa in the coastal region of Kenya, with a view of evaluating management efforts by heritage managers in the region. An exploratory research design with a mixed method approach was used to generate new ideas and assumptions regarding how cultural heritage is manifested. A sample size of 110 participants from both towns was selected through multistage cluster sampling, out of which 15 heritage managers, 40 community household leaders and 55 community elders were selected using purposive and snowball techniques. The study utilized semi structured interview guides, photography and observation as data collection methods. Descriptive analysis, content analysis-specifically attribution and designation analysis were used to analyze data. The study established that cultural heritage in the old towns is manifested through symbols, values and artefacts and architecture. Among the most evident manifestations in both old towns are in the form of wedding ceremonies, burial rituals, and limited cultural festivals especially during key religious practices Manifested architectural heritage undergoing shocks is restored for tourism purposes. However, intangible heritage is preserved, not for tourism purposes but as part of local’s way of life and as dictated by cultural values such as religion. Most organizations concerned with management of cultural heritage recognize its importance and have adapted reconstruction and restoration methods of tangible heritage especially old architecture. Among preferred recommendations were that tourism as the main economic activity in the region should be developed to benefit cultural heritage. The article advocates promoting resilience of heritage through gainful economic activities such as tourism to promote its posterity.

Research on the Current Status of Pension Models for Individuals with Mental Disorders in China

Objective: By analyzing the existing literature, this paper aims to explore the current situation of the pension model for patients with mental disorders in China and put forward corresponding suggestions for improvement. How: This study analyzes the current situation of the pension model for patients with mental disorders in China by referring to the views of experts and scholars, relevant cases and statistical data through the literature and review of CNKI. Focusing on the existing elderly care service system, policy support and social cognition, this paper reveals the main characteristics and existing problems of the current Chinese elderly care model for people with mental disabilities. By comparing the advanced pension models at home and abroad, this paper puts forward some suggestions on strengthening policy support and improving service system. Results: The research shows that China's existing pension models mainly include family care, institutional pension and community service. The main problems facing: insufficient service supply, shortage of professional talents, social cognition and discrimination. Home care is still the main way, more than 70% of people with mental disorders rely on home care, but face great pressure and challenges; The construction of institutional elderly care and community service systems is gradually developing, but there are still insufficient resources, low service quality, and uneven distribution between urban and rural areas. Policy suggestions: Strengthen the construction and improvement of community support system; Improve professional training to ensure service quality; Use scientific and technological means to assist the elderly and ease the shortage of human resources. It is suggested that we should strengthen the construction of community support system and improve the level of professional service in the future. Conclusion: In China, the mode of nursing care for patients with mental disorders is in the transition period, and family nursing is still the mainstream, but it also faces great challenges. Institutional care and community services have developed, but they are not yet sufficient to replace the role of the family. The future development direction should be multi-dimensional, forming a diversified and three-dimensional elderly care service network.

The Role of Social Media for the Elderly in Lembean Village, Kauditan District, North Minahasa Regency

This study aims to determine the role of social media for the elderly in Lembean Village, Kauditan District. Based on the definition of WHO (World Health Organization), the elderly are people who are in the age range of over 60 years. The use of social media can provide the elderly with social activities and communication to live a happy and joyful old age, the theory of social activity Successful aging depends on how an elderly person feels satisfaction in doing activities and maintaining those activities. Spradley's qualitative research method; study of individuals/groups with the aim of describing cultural characteristics more deeply systematically in their own space and time. the number of informants is 4 people, namely 2 elderly women and 2 elderly men using purposive sampling techniques, in-depth interview data collection techniques, analyzed and described. The results of the study obtained the role of social media for the elderly in Lembean Village, namely; a means of social activity through whats app groups with family, elderly community groups, religious groups; a means of entertainment activities by exposing daily activities both at home and outside the home; a means of information sources of joy or sorrow and events in the outside world through Facebook, a means of economic activity exposing sales for elderly people who are still productive. Social media becomes a means of digital activity for the elderly to fill their time at home, a source of information and a means of immortalizing activities with photos.

Environmental Implications of Sculpture Landscape in Ancient Cities with Reference to Enugu, Nigeria

The study aimed to examine the environmental implications of landscape sculptures in Enugu, with the objective of examining the historical record and awareness of the cultural connotation of Landscape sculptures to the city development. Based on a qualitative approach, this study examines six landscape sculptures situated in the central business district of the city. The study employs mainly the primary sources of data which include; site visits and interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data such as Archives and internet search engines. Using a purposive and simple random sampling technique, a sample size of 60 community elders and youth were interviewed through focus group discussion (FGD), and oral interview with the aid of a questionnaire. Data were qualitative and quantitative analysed. Findings identified six major landscape sculptures without and with cultural connotations; the Otigba Statue, the White Lion statue, and the status of Park Lane hospital, while others; were sculptures of the three wise monkeys, coal miners, and Edward Anike statue. Findings discovered that more than 90% of the youth are not aware of the historic record and connotation of the landscape sculptures in the city. Keys findings show non-marketable values of environmental implication. The Chi-square result (X2 = P-Sig &gt; 0.05) shows that the environmental implications of the sculpture landscape have no statistical relationship to the economic value of city development, but the non-marketable values show a positive implication of environmental and social implications to city development. The study suggests public enlightenment to enhance landscape sculpture preservation. Further examination of landscape sculpture preservation techniques should be considered for sustainable city development.

커뮤니티 공공 공간 고령자 적합성 디자인에 관한 연구 - 커뮤니티 양로 모델으로

The problem of population aging is becoming more and more serious, especially under the mode of community-based elderly care, the demand of elderly residents for community public space is becoming more and more prominent. In this paper, through the study of representative elderly care communities in the United States, Japan, Singapore and South Korea, the design strategy of community public space for aging is discussed. The research content covers spatial structure planning, barrier-free design, intelligent elderly care equipment, green landscape proportion, public service facilities distribution and other aspects, aiming to optimize the community environment to meet the physiological and psychological needs of the elderly. Through comparative analysis, this paper puts forward the guidelines for the design of aging, expecting to provide theoretical reference for the development of community-based elderly care mode in the future, and build a more harmonious, stable and livable community.

Construction and comparative analysis of an early screening prediction model for fatty liver in elderly patients based on machine learning

Objective: To construct a prediction model for fatty liver disease (FLD) among elderly residents in community using machine learning (ML) algorithms and evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: The physical examination data of 4989 elderly people (aged over 60 years) in a street of Shanghai from 2019 to 2023 were collected. The subjects were divided into a training set and a testing set in a 7:3 ratio. Using feature selection and importance sorting methods, eight indicators were selected, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, uric acid, triglycerides, albumin, red blood cell, white blood cell, and alanine aminotransferase. Six ML models, including Categorical Features Gradient Boosting, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, Light Gradient Boosting Machine, Random Forest, Decision Tree, and Logistic Regression, were constricted, and their predictive performances were compared via accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve. Results: Among the six ML models, the Categorical Features Gradient Boosting model demonstrated the highest prediction accuracy of 0.74 for FLD in elderly community population, along with a precision of 0.70, a recall of 0.73, a F1 score of 0.71, and an area under the curve of 0.74. Conclusions: In the context of rapid development of artificial intelligence, a community-based elderly FLD prediction model constructed using ML algorithms aid family general practitioners in the early diagnosis, early treatment, and health management of local FLD patients.

Empowering the elderly: a cash waqf Takaful model for enhanced provision and protection in Malaysia

Purpose The primary objective of this research is to introduce a pioneering takaful model that provides both provision and protection to the aging population by combining the concept of cash waqf with takaful. This model is designed to align with Shariah principles, ensuring sustainability and enduring impact. Design/methodology/approach This research adopts a qualitative methodology, where a focus group discussion was conducted with six stakeholders. The participants consisted of takaful operators, legal experts and other industry players. The participants were presented with the proposed cash waqf takaful model and their feedback was recorded. Legal issues related to linking waqf with takaful were also identified and discussed. Findings The study highlights the need for innovative financial solutions to support Malaysia's aging population. It proposes a cash waqf takaful model, leveraging crowd funding for sustainability. Legal hurdles and recommendations for overcoming them are discussed, along with suggestions for future research on quantitative validation and regulatory frameworks. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the holistic approach of the proposed model in addressing the well-being of Malaysia's senior citizens. Practical implications The proposed takaful model presents opportunities for takaful operators to integrate Islamic social finance into their operations, enabling easier access to takaful for the elderly community. By eliminating financial barriers, it can transform the takaful landscape, ensuring inclusivity and financial security for aging populations. Moreover, policymakers see it as a blueprint for sustainable financial solutions and social welfare enhancement globally. Originality/value The study introduces a novel cash waqf takaful model to support Malaysia's aging population, leveraging crowdfunding for sustainability. It addresses legal challenges unique to Malaysia and proposes collaboration with State Islamic Religious Authorities. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for further research to validate the model's effectiveness and explores its potential global policy implications.

Study on the Characteristics of Community Elderly Care Service Facilities Usage and Optimization Design Based on Life Cycle Theory

Abstract: As the aging population in China increases, home-based elderly care is set to become the main mode of elderly care in the future. The construction of community elderly care service facilities is receiving more and more attention from society. Currently, residential area design standards in China lack clear guidance on the spatial planning of facilities, which will lead to unreasonable facility layout planning and insufficient convenience in the utilization of facilities by the elderly. Fully considering the distribution characteristics of community elderly care service facilities and the needs of the community life circle when planning residential areas can effectively solve this problem. This study takes Xi’an City as the research object, based on the theory of life circle, through questionnaire surveys and cluster analysis, analyzes the current situation of the construction of elderly care service facilities and the characteristics of the use by the elderly. Combined with the community life circle model, the study scope is divided into community life circle levels, and put forward the planning strategies of coverage rate, number, richness, and spatial layout of the facilities, respectively. These strategies are designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors, ensuring that they have access to essential support and resources within their communities. It demonstrated that middle-aged elderly prefer community canteens and activity centers, while those with limited mobility and multiple chronic diseases have a higher demand for health service centers and community canteens. The utilization weight analysis shows that vegetable markets and supermarkets are most frequently used, whereas health service centers are the least utilized. The research proposes strategic planning enhancements, including full coverage of basic facilities, targeted increases in high-demand facilities, and tailored facilities for elderly characteristics. It recommends cross-community layouts to ensure service radius coverage, development reservations for future needs, and quality improvements to address the low satisfaction rates of existing facilities. The study concludes that a targeted approach to facility planning, considering the elderly’s diverse needs, can enhance the community elderly care service system’s sustainability and effectiveness.

Predictors of Bereavement among the Bereaved Elderly in Community of Bangkok, Thailand

Predictors of Bereavement among the Bereaved Elderly in Community of Bangkok, Thailand

Improving Cognitive Performance with Board Activities in Older Adults

Cognitive function decline is one of the problems that is often experienced as we age, and this has an impact on activities of daily living (ADL), social participation, employment, psychological conditions, and independence of pre-elderly and elderly. To maintain cognitive abilities, interventions in the form of cognitive activities are needed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Monopoli Modified Board Game (Indonesian Version) on the cognitive abilities of pre-elderly and elderly. The method used was pre-experimental one-group pretest and posttest, with 28 subjects from the elderly community RW 8, Kemiri, Kebakkramat, Karanganyar. Data collection was carried out using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Indonesian Version (MoCa-Ina) instrument, and the modified monopoly game was conducted in 8 sessions for eight weeks. The results showed that there was a significant effect of the Monopoly Modified Board Game on the cognitive abilities of pre-elderly and elderly, with a paired t-test value of Sig. (2-tailed) = 0.001, which means the p-value &lt;0.05. The mean difference of 2.25 indicates an increase in cognitive abilities after the intervention. The majority of research subjects were female, with a pre-elderly age category of 53.5%, most were not working (60.7%), and had the last education at a low level (75%). The implication of this study shows that the Monopoli Modified Board Game (Indonesian Version) can be an effective alternative intervention in improving cognitive abilities in pre-elderly and elderly, so that it can help them maintain independence and a better quality of life.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal and ritual plants utilized by the indigenous communities of Benguet province, Philippines

BackgroundThe Sto. Niño site in Benguet province, Philippines was once a mining area that has now been transformed into an agricultural land. In this area, there has been significant integration of the three indigenous people (IPs) Ibaloi, Kankanaeys and Kalanguyas with the Ilocano community. These IPs safeguard biodiversity and traditional knowledge, including medicinal plant use. However, the documentation of these plant species and their medicinal applications has not been systematic, with the resultant loss of knowledge across generations. This study aims to document the medicinal and ritual plants used by the indigenous communities at the site, in order to preserve and disseminate traditional medicinal knowledge that would otherwise be lost.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected in Sto. Niño, Brgy. Ambassador, Municipality of Tublay, Benguet, Philippines, and collected through semi-structured interviews, together with focus group discussions (FGD). A total of 100 residents (39 male and 61 female) were interviewed. Among them, 12 were key interviewees, including community elders and farmers, while the rest were selected through the convenience and snowball technique. Demographic information collected from the interviewees included age, gender, and occupation. Ethnobotanical information collected focused on medicinal plants, including the specific parts of plants used, methods of preparation, modes of treatment, and the types of ailments treated. Ethnobotanical quantitative indices of the relative frequency of citations (RFC) and informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated to evaluate the plant species that were utilized by the community.ResultsA total of 28 medicinal plants from 20 different families and 6 ritual plants from 5 different families were documented. Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Lamiaceae (10.71%) family are the most mentioned medicinal plant species, followed by Myrtaceae and Euphorbiaceae (7.14%). The most widely used growth form were herbs (46.4%), while leaves (61.5%) were the most utilized plant part, and the preparation of a decoction (62.2%) was the most preferred method of processing and application. The medicinal plants were most commonly utilized for wound-healing, cough and colds, stomachache and kidney trouble, whereas ritual plants were largely used for healing, protection, and funeral ceremonies.ConclusionThis study marks the first report on the medicinal and ritual plants used by a group of indigenous communities in Sto. Niño, Brgy. Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet Province. The data collected show that plant species belonging to the Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Lamiaceae family were the most mentioned and should be further evaluated by pharmacological analysis to assess their wider use for medicinal treatment.