Prevalence and Determinants of Health Professional Consultation Before Using Herbal and Dietary Supplements among Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): A Study Using a Modified KAP Framework
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with consulting health professionals before using herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) among patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 208 patients diagnosed with one or more of the following NCDs: diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease, who had used HDS between January and December 2024. Data were collected at Chaturaphakphiman Hospital, Roi Et Province, using a questionnaire based on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) model. Attitude was assessed with 5 items (Cronbach’s alpha=0.91), and knowledge was measured with 13 items (KR-20=0.78). In addition to KAP, 5 other factors were included: sex, age, educational attainment, comorbidities, and duration since diagnosis.
Results: The prevalence of consulting health professionals before HDS use was 37.50%. The mean knowledge score was 8.71±1.49, and the mean attitude score was 3.03±0.85 on a 5-point scale, indicating a neutral perception. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that participants with higher knowledge scores were less likely to consult health professionals (OR=0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64–0.92), whereas attitude was not significantly associated with consultation behavior. Of the 5 additional factors, only education level was significantly associated with consultation behavior. Patients with an education level of grade 6 or lower were more likely to consult (OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.01–3.22).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to promote appropriate consultation behavior among NCD patients.
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