Knowledge, attitude, perception and behavior of Thai traditional medicine and alternative medicine services in Uthaithani province

Abstract

               This quantitative research aimed to 1) study knowledge and attitude on Thai traditional and alternative medicine services in Uthaithani province 2)  study perception of Thai traditional and alternative medicine services in Uthaithani province 3) study behavior of Thai traditional and alternative medicine clients  in Uthaithani province. The samples used in the study were clients of hospitals who came to use the services in Uthaithani province and was calculated using multi-stage sampling technique (440 samples). The questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data. Data is processed by using software package. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used for descriptive statistics.

              The results showed that the most of the samples were female, age between 50-59 years with diploma and worked with government/state enterprises. Most received the information about health care in Thai traditional medicine from television (98.90%), information about alternative health care from personal media (72.95%). The research found that the sample groups had knowledge and attitude towards Thai traditional and alternative medicine level is good. Moreover, the perception of Thai traditional and alternative medicine was at a high level. In each part, recommendation and encouragement from friends to drink herbal drinks to maintain their health was at the highest level. Subsequently participants obtained advices from nurse/public health professional/Thai traditional medicine officer. Acquired service behaviors related to Thai traditional and alternative medicine were at the moderate level. Behavior towards the service was found participants can buy or pay for these services because the services are economical and inexpensive was at the highest level. Drinking herbal juice and taking herbal products were at the high level, respectively.

               This research suggested that 1) There should be a variety of public relation forms suitable for the target group and create knowledge management regarding Thai traditional and alternative medicine services. 2) There should arrange in-depth interviews with clients concerning Thai traditional and alternative medicine services that corresponded to issue and context in the area to serve the elderly who have knee problem or stroke patients.