A Picture Of Knowledge, Attitudes And Actions To Select Traditional Medicine And Modern Medicine In Self -medication Among Ucat Pharmacy Faculty Students

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A Picture of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Actions to Select Traditional Medicine and Modern Medicine in Self-Medication among UCAT Pharmacy Faculty Students

Introduction

Self-medication has become a common phenomenon among students, especially in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of North Sumatra (USU). This study aims to understand how far the level of knowledge, attitudes, and actions of students in choosing between traditional medicine and modern medicine when conducting self-medication. By exploring and analyzing the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of USU's S1 students in choosing drugs while self-medication, this study provides an overview of student health habits and supports more effective health education efforts.

Research Purposes

The primary purpose of this research is to explore and analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of USU's S1 students in choosing drugs while self-medication. This study aims to provide a better understanding of student health habits and support more effective health education efforts. By increasing understanding of traditional medicine and how to use it properly, students can optimize their self-medication more safely and effectively.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive method with a cross-sectional approach. The survey was conducted in March 2021, with respondents consisting of USU Pharmacy S1 students selected by snowball sampling. Data was collected through a survey distributed through Google Form, and sampling techniques were carried out proportionally to ensure the diversity of respondents.

Research Result

The results showed that respondents' knowledge about traditional medicine was in the good category (69.2%), sufficient (29.8%), and less (1%). As for modern drugs, respondents' knowledge shows better results with good categories (77.7%), sufficient (20.8%), and less (1.5%). In terms of attitude, 17.6% of respondents strongly agreed and 65.7% agreed to the use of traditional medicine, while 16.6% of respondents stated that they did not agree and 0.1% strongly disagree. For the use of modern drugs, 20.8% of respondents strongly agree and 71.4% agree, while 7.2% disagree and 0.6% strongly disagree.

When viewed from the action, the majority of respondents show a tendency to choose modern medicine more often than traditional medicine when self-medication.

Analysis and Explanation

The results of this study indicate that USU Faculty of Pharmacy S1 students have a good level of knowledge about the two types of drugs, namely traditional and modern. This good knowledge is very important because it can affect attitudes and actions in choosing drugs. In the context of self-medication, students' positive attitudes towards the use of modern drugs may be influenced by factors such as ease of access, the effectiveness of scientifically proven, and aggressive marketing of modern drug products.

A more positive attitude towards modern medicine than traditional medicine also shows that students tend to rely more on solutions that are considered faster and more efficient. However, it is essential not to ignore the values ​​and potential of traditional medicine that has been used for generations and often has fewer side effects.

The Importance of Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine has been used for generations and often has fewer side effects compared to modern medicine. However, its use is often overlooked due to the aggressive marketing of modern drug products. This study highlights the importance of traditional medicine and its potential benefits. By increasing understanding of traditional medicine and how to use it properly, students can optimize their self-medication more safely and effectively.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that USU's S1 Pharmacy students have good knowledge about traditional and modern medicines. Their attitude tends to be positive towards both types of drugs, although the actions taken prefer modern drugs in self-medication practices. This opens up opportunities to conduct further counseling regarding the use of traditional medicine with a better evidence and better understanding approach.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Increase awareness about traditional medicine: Educational institutions and health instructors should design better educational programs to increase awareness about traditional medicine and its potential benefits.
  2. Provide counseling on traditional medicine: Further counseling should be provided to students regarding the use of traditional medicine with a better evidence and better understanding approach.
  3. Promote the use of traditional medicine: Efforts should be made to promote the use of traditional medicine, especially among students, to optimize their self-medication more safely and effectively.

By implementing these recommendations, students can make informed decisions about their health and well-being, and educational institutions and health instructors can provide better support to students in their health education efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Traditional Medicine and Self-Medication

Q: What is traditional medicine?

A: Traditional medicine refers to the use of herbal remedies, folk remedies, and other non-conventional treatments that have been used for generations to treat various health conditions.

Q: What are the benefits of traditional medicine?

A: Traditional medicine often has fewer side effects compared to modern medicine, and it can be more cost-effective. Additionally, traditional medicine can be a more holistic approach to health, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

Q: Why do students prefer modern medicine over traditional medicine?

A: Students may prefer modern medicine due to its ease of access, the effectiveness of scientifically proven treatments, and aggressive marketing of modern drug products. However, this study highlights the importance of traditional medicine and its potential benefits.

Q: What are the risks of self-medication?

A: Self-medication can lead to adverse reactions, interactions with other medications, and delayed diagnosis of underlying health conditions. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, including traditional remedies.

Q: How can students make informed decisions about their health?

A: Students can make informed decisions about their health by:

  1. Consulting with a healthcare professional: Before taking any medication, including traditional remedies, students should consult with a healthcare professional to discuss their options and potential risks.
  2. Researching traditional medicine: Students can research traditional medicine and its potential benefits and risks to make informed decisions.
  3. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals: Students can seek guidance from healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists or doctors, to discuss their options and potential risks.

Q: What role can educational institutions play in promoting traditional medicine?

A: Educational institutions can play a significant role in promoting traditional medicine by:

  1. Providing education on traditional medicine: Educational institutions can provide education on traditional medicine, its benefits, and potential risks.
  2. Promoting the use of traditional medicine: Educational institutions can promote the use of traditional medicine, especially among students, to optimize their self-medication more safely and effectively.
  3. Providing resources for students: Educational institutions can provide resources for students, such as counseling services or health education programs, to support their health and well-being.

Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare professionals?

A: This study highlights the importance of traditional medicine and its potential benefits. Healthcare professionals can:

  1. Provide education on traditional medicine: Healthcare professionals can provide education on traditional medicine, its benefits, and potential risks to patients.
  2. Promote the use of traditional medicine: Healthcare professionals can promote the use of traditional medicine, especially among patients who may benefit from its holistic approach.
  3. Support patients in their health decisions: Healthcare professionals can support patients in their health decisions by providing guidance and resources to help them make informed choices.

By addressing these FAQs, we can promote a better understanding of traditional medicine and its potential benefits, and support students and healthcare professionals in making informed decisions about their health and well-being.