Health Product Use Behavior with No Medical Indications among Patients with Chronic Diseases at Rasi Salai, Sisaket Province

Abstract

Objective: To determine the use of health products with no medical indications among patients with chronic diseases in Rasi Salai, Sisaket province, and measure their relevant knowledge. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive research. The subjects were 370 conveniently sampled patients with chronic diseases in Rasi Salai. The researcher interviewed 70 patients with chronic diseases in Rasi Salai hospital using the interview form developed in the study to collect the data on the use of health products with no medical indications and relevant knowledge. Research assistants were health workers in 15 health promoting subdistrict hospitals (HPSH) in Rasi Salai district, one in each HPSH, who underwent the training on research content and interview. Research assistants in each HPSH interviewed 20 patients in chronic disease clinics. Results: 51.4% of subjects scored 6 out of 13 on the scale on knowledge regarding appropriate use of health products. Eighty subjects   (21.6%) used health products with no medical indications, 48 of them (13.0%) used traditional herbal medicine solution. Seventeen (4.6%) used ya-chud, 14 of them used it as a pain reliever. Nine subjects (2.4%) used dietary supplements, 4 of them reported using them for treating chronic diseases. Among 48 subjects with the use of traditional herbal medicine solutions, 20 of them (38.4%) used them for treating diabetes and hypertension. 56.2% used the products for 1-3 months. For the source of products, the users of ya-chud obtained it from groceries in the communities. 55.6% of dietary supplement users and 37.5% of the users of traditional herbal medicine solution acquired the products from distributors. 76.2% of subjects reported that using health products with no medical indications improved their conditions, but could not cure. 2.5% of subjects experienced some side effects after using the products. The products were recommended to 31% of the subjects by their neighbors, while 62.1% received the information on health products with no medical indications from ads in local radio. Conclusion:. Patients with chronic diseases in Amphour Rasi Salai should have more knowledge on steroids and the harm from using health products with no medical indications. The problems of ya-chud, mobile drug venders and exaggerated advertising of health products in Amphour Rasi Salai should be curbed by establishing monitoring networks.