Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior on Herbs Using among Diabetic and Hypertensive Patients at Family Practice Center, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital

Abstract

     The purposes of this research were to study information about knowledge, attitude and behavior on herbs using among patients with diabetes mellitus or hypertension and to compare level of knowledge, attitude and behavior, classified by personal factors. The samples were 370 patients, calculated sample size by Taro Yamane method.The samples received medications at Family Practice Center, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, percentage and standard deviation. Mann-Whitney U Test was used.
     Results showed that, the mean score of herbal knowledge was 2.60±2.304 from 12, the level of attitude and proper herbs using behavior were medium. To compare the difference classified by personal factors, who graduated higher than primary school, had occupation, had income, had history of herbal plant and had history of herbs using for diabetes mellitus or hypertension showed difference level of knowledge, attitude and proper behavior statistically significant at P-value <0.05. There was no difference in sex and status toward knowledge, attitude and proper behavior on herbs using.
     From the results of the study, Thai traditional practitioners should provide exact and proper knowledge about herbs using to people, especially who had chronic diseases that had tendency to seek alternative medicines and lead them the way to good attitude and proper behavior on herbs using. There should be more clinical trials about the effects of herbs to health for better standard in herbs using.