Batool Yamani Ardakani, Maliehe Mobarakian, Vali Bahrevar, Moradali Zareipour, Sadegh Kazemi, Mojtaba Fattahi Ardakani,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background: Despite the increased use of complementary medicine by diabetic patients, there is no clear estimation of complementary and herbal medicine use by these patients in Iran. This study was conducted to investigate the uses of herbal medicine among patients with type II diabetes in Yazd, Iran, in 2022.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 633 patients with type II diabetes referred to the Diabetes Research Center in Yazd City from June to September 2022. A questionnaire-based theory of planned behavior developed and validated by the researcher was used for data collection. In addition to demographics and disease-related information, the instrument included questions about using herbal medicine used. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and linear regression tests were used to analyze the data.
Results: The most common herb used was cinnamon (34.7%). The majority of patients used herbs daily (56.9%). Using herbal medicine was significantly associated with Attitude (r= 0.48, p< 0.001) Subjective norm (r= 0.39, p< 0.001), perceived behavior control (r= 0.38, p< 0.001) and intention (r= 0.4, p< 0.001). Constructs of the theory of planned behavior 73% predicted intention to use herbal medicine. Subjective norm structure had the highest predictive power of intention to consume herbal medicine (ß= 0.49, p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Subjective norm is the most predictor of intention to use Herbal medicines in patients with diabetes. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the beliefs, customs, and culture of the surrounding community in the correct self-management of disease control and the use of effective drug control.