Ritha Tahitu, Elpira Asmin, Christiana Rialine Titaley, Maxwell Landri Vers Malakauseya, Healdatia R. Malawat, Bela M. Wael, Debora Pormes, Gita Rahmadani

Socioeconomic Factors and The Use of Traditional Medicine in East Seram, Maluku

Introduction

Socioeconomic factors and the use of traditional medicine in east seram, maluku. Discover how socioeconomic factors influence traditional medicine use in East Seram, Maluku. Research shows low education and lack of health insurance increase dependence on traditional healing.

Abstract

Although modern medicine continues to develop, traditional medicine is still widely used in various parts of Indonesia, including the natural resource-rich Maluku Province. Socioeconomic conditions are thought to influence people’s dependence on traditional healing practices. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic status and the use of traditional medicine in East Seram District (ESD), Maluku Province. A cross-sectional household health survey was conducted in September-December 2023 among 253 respondents aged 18-65 years in eastern Seram Island. A quantitative-descriptive approach was used with structured interviews and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 45.8% of respondents reported using traditional medicine, especially herbal concoctions. Individuals who do not pay for health insurance membership tend to use traditional medicine (aOR=2.87, 95% CI: 1.66-5.00, p<0.001). Similarly, respondents with low educational attainment (aOR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.00–2.92, p= 0.048) were more likely to use traditional medicine. These results suggest the importance of socioeconomic factors in the use of traditional medicine. Health promotion strategies need to be adapted to the local and cultural context to encourage rational and safe utilization of traditional medicine.

Review

This study capably addresses a highly relevant topic concerning the persistent use of traditional medicine in the face of modern healthcare advancements, particularly within the unique socioeconomic and cultural landscape of East Seram, Maluku. The research objective—to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic status and traditional medicine use—is clearly articulated and timely, given the ongoing global discussion on integrated healthcare and cultural health practices. The authors employed a robust cross-sectional household health survey design with a respectable sample size of 253 respondents, utilizing structured interviews and multivariate logistic regression analysis, which are appropriate methods for exploring such relationships. The findings presented are compelling and offer valuable insights. A significant proportion (45.8%) of respondents reported using traditional medicine, primarily herbal concoctions, underscoring its continued prevalence. The multivariate logistic regression analysis effectively identified key socioeconomic determinants: individuals without health insurance membership were almost three times more likely to use traditional medicine, and those with lower educational attainment also showed a significantly higher propensity. These results strongly support the hypothesis that socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in shaping health-seeking behaviors and dependence on traditional practices, providing empirical evidence for previously held assumptions. Overall, this paper makes a solid contribution to understanding the dynamics of traditional medicine use in underserved regions. The identified socioeconomic factors—lack of health insurance and lower educational attainment—have direct implications for public health policy and health promotion strategies. The recommendation to adapt health promotion to local and cultural contexts for rational and safe utilization of traditional medicine is particularly pertinent. Future research could potentially expand on the qualitative aspects of this reliance, exploring the specific barriers to modern healthcare access beyond financial means, and delving into the perceptions of efficacy and trust in traditional remedies among different socioeconomic groups.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.