The relationship between sosiodemographic factors and public knowledge of herbal medicines in two districts in Sleman Regency

Abstract

Introduction: The use of herbal medicines in the community is increasing, both in developing and developed countries.. Most people use herbal medicine for generations or based on experience. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the public knowledge about herbal medicine to support the use of herbal medicines appropriately and correctly Objective : To determine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristic with public knowledge level about herbal medicine in Sleman Regency. Methods: Survey research conducted on the people of Minggir and Cangkringan districts, Sleman Regency. Sampling of 240 respondents was done by cluster sampling method. Data obtained from the distribution of questionnaires that have been validated to the public. The correct answer was counted and scored, then responden who score greater or equal to the mean were grouped into good knowledge, whereas those who score less than mean were grouped into poor knowledge. Data were analyzed by univariate and bivariate by chi-square test. Result : The majority of respondents were women (61.2%) and the most age was 26-45 years (46.7%). The respondents' knowledge is the best in the domain of how to use herbal medicine with an average percentage of correct answers 67.6%. In the domain of side effects, the average percentage of answers is only 47.7%. Overall respondents who had a good level of knowledge were 66.2% and respondents who were poorly knowledgeable were 33.8%. The results of the bivariate analysis showed no correlation between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge level about herbal medicine (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Most people in Sleman Regency have good knowledge about herbal medicine. However, education still needs to be done about herbal medicines, especially the efficacy and side effects.