Use of Herbal Products and Dietary Supplements among Patients with Home Palliative Care: Case Study in Muang District, Udonthani

Abstract

Objective: To study the types, consumptive behavior, cost of herbal products and dietary supplements (HPDS) among patients with palliative care at home (PPCHs), and their interaction with drugs used by patients. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional descriptive study during November-December 2018. The subjects were 70 patients with palliative care in Muang District, Udon Thani. The researcher interviewed subjects and care givers to collect data on HPDS used by PPCHs. Results: Most patients were over 60 years old (61.4%). The top 3 diseases were lung cancer (20.0%), bile duct cancer (17.1%) and liver cancer (10.0%), Twenty-six patients (37.1%) use 59 HPDSs at home, including food supplements (55.2%), herbal preparations (27.6%) and single herbs (17.2%). Majority of the HPDS costed not more than 2,500 baht per month (57.7%). The reasons for using HPDS were treating the disease (50.8%) and using as tonics (44.1%). 57.6% of subjects used HPDS because they were persuaded by their children, relatives and friends. Most patients consumed HPDS with meal three times a day (64.4%), felt better and being satisfied (88.1%) and would continue using the products (86.4%). The study found inappropriate products including those without registration number (17.0%), deteriorated products (5.1%), those adulterated with steroids (1.7%) and HPDS having interaction with drugs (20.3%). Conclusion: Most patients with palliative care regularly used HPDS and were satisfied with the continuous use. However, inappropriate use and interaction with drugs were identified. Health team should advise on the proper use and monitor safety of use.