Perception of Conventional Medicine and Herbal Medicine Usage Amongst Diabetic Patients: A Qualitative Study in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The concomitant intake of herbal medicine and conventional medicine amongst patients is steadily increasing worldwide. However, concerns have been raised regarding potential adverse effects and drug interactions when consuming both medications together. Therefore, this work aimed to comprehending the perception of Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus (T2DM) patients on conventional medicine and the manner of its use with herbal medicine in managing diabetes mellitus. 
 
 METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted among 28 diabetic patients in four government clinics under the jurisdiction of the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit informants who consumed herbal medicine alongside their prescribed conventional medicine. This study employed semi-structured interviews, which were all digitally recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. 
 
 RESULTS: This study found that most of the patients perceived the negative side effects of conventional medicine, which led them to consider incorporating herbal medicine in treating diabetes. Such perception was influenced by the personal experiences of their family members and friends. A majority of the informants utilised herbal medicine as a complementary consumption to conventional medicine as opposed to implementing it as an alternative. However, they would alter the dosage and intake time of conventional medicine for several reasons, such as to complement their herbal medicine intake, being fed-up with conventional medicine, and reduce the risk of its side effects. Lastly, this study revealed that some of the patients noted their intention to discontinue conventional medicine, while some even tried to quit.
 
 CONCLUSIONS: A complete understanding of patient’s perceptions regarding conventional medicine and its usage with herbal medicine will aid healthcare providers to deliver education on the importance of conventional medicine usage compliance. Additionally, people should be aware that its combination with herbal medicine when consumed may present adverse effects and subsequently cause serious health problems.

The effect of mHealth program on behavior modification and health outcomes among patients with diabetes: A randomized controlled trial study

“…Changes in dietary behavior were also noted during CMCO. The dietary behavior among Malaysians changed during the stay-at-home order in terms of increased frequency of eating (46.5%), increased sugar-sweetened drink intake (27.7%), and increased fast/instant food intake (18.1%) compared with usual (Ithnain et al, 2020 ). Thus, it might explain why there were no significant differences in fasting blood glucose at the pretest and posttest comparison.…”

COVID-19 clusters in Malaysia: characteristics, detection methods and modes of early transmission

“…32 Similarly, two local online surveys in Malaysia in April and July 2020 about health and social behaviours showed that approximately 50-60% of respondents were still meeting in person and socializing with friends and relatives during the Movement Control Order, which was put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. 33, 34 Findings from these studies might explain why household-social and social transmission were the primary modes of early transmission in the community, educational institutions, religious organizations, workplace settings and among high-risk groups.…”

Moringa oleifera Lam leaves extract and its compounds effect on the intracellular calcium release in human aortic smooth muscle cells

“…Improvements in the health care system and increased awareness about the importance of conventional medicines have seen many Malaysians seek treatments using conventional drugs. However, many are still taking herbal medicines together with conventional drugs (Basri et al 2022, Ithnain et al 2020.…”