Influencing Factors for Herbal Usage Behavior to Reduce Blood Pressure Levels among Elderly Individuals with Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Herbal medicines are especially popular among patients with chronic diseases, and several factors have been identified as being associated with their use. Objective: The aim of this research study is to examine the factors influencing herbal usage behavior to reduce blood pressure levels among the elderly in Northern Thailand. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among a group of 404 hypertensive elderly people, using a multi-stage sampling method. The interviews covered sociodemographic data, knowledge, self-efficacy, health literacy, and herbal use behavior to reduce blood pressure levels. Results: The mean age of the participants, of whom 66.8% were female and 33.2% male, was 70.26 years. Our analysis of the participants’ knowledge about blood pressure and the use of herbs to reduce it found most of them had a high level of knowledge (45.5%). Most participants had a moderate level (78.7%) of self-efficacy, and a functional level of health literacy (63.1%). Regarding herbal usage behavior to reduce blood pressure, 49.9% of participants scored at a moderate level. The results of the linear regression analysis to identify factors related to herbal usage behavior found that financial status, complementary and alternative medicine, knowledge, self-efficacy, and health literacy were significantly associated with herbal usage behavior to reduce blood pressure, with statistical significance (R2 = 37.5%). Conclusions: The study’s results suggest herbs usage should be promoted more through health and community participation programs to help lower blood pressure among elderly. Furthermore, relevant organizations should advocate for and implement policies that encourage the use of herbs as alternatives for healthcare.