The survey of attitude, paractice and causes of tendency to common traditional therapies among rural elderly people in the city of Miandoab

Abstract

Abstract Introduction & Objective: Due to the growing trend of aging in Iran and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, traditional medicine has received more attention than before. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of using traditional medicine and it’s affecting factors in the elderly living in rural areas of Miandoab city. Methods: This is a cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study that was performed on 450 elderly people living in rural areas of Miandoab city. Sampling was done in the first stage as a cluster and in the second stage as the convenience method. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version22 software. First, using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation), the status of demographic variables and description of research variables were done. Then, using statistical tests such as T-test, ANOVA One way and chi-square, the relationship between research variables was investigated. Results: 81.6% of the sample stated that they use traditional medicines. 1- Balloon therapy with paste (40.2%), 2- Esfand smoking (38.2%) and 3- Medicinal plants (34.3%) were the most common traditional treatments, respectively. The highest frequency of herbal medicine was related to Mint (46.4%), Cinnamon (42.5%) and Ginger (41.8%), respectively. Also, 39.8% and 47.1% of the subjects stated that they refer to Bonesetter for the treatment of bone fractures and dislocations. More than a third of people said they first use traditional medicine when they get sick. The most effective and common informing methods about traditional medicine was breast-to-breast propaganda from previous generations (51.4%), consultation with family members, friends and acquaintances (20/7%) and customs and traditions (19.8%), respectively. 62.7% of people stated that they use traditional medicine to relieve their pain and symptoms. The highest percentage of people: 1- The low cost of traditional medicine compared to Conventional medicine (23%) and 2- Less side effects of traditional medicine compared to Conventional medicine (20.9) are the most important reasons for using the traditional medicine. Relatively high proportion of women, people with lower levels of education and income, and unemployed people stated that they first use traditional medicine when they get sick. Conclusion: Since most people mentioned the low cost of traditional medicines compared to conventional medicine as the most important reason for using traditional medicine, it is recommanded that the price of conventional medicine determined based on people's ability to pay, so that they do not have to replace traditional medicine due to the high cost of conventional medicine. Since, women, people with lower levels of education and income, and people without supplementary insurance, more tend to use traditional medicine, so it is suggested that more financial support from health insurance allocated to these groups, so that they do not have to substitute traditional medicine for conventional medicine. Keywords: Traditional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Medicinal Plants, Elderly