Perceptions of the Muslim religious leaders and their attitudes on herbal medicine in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundHerbal Medicines (HMs) are playing major roles in the health of the millions of people worldwide. Muslim Religious Leader (MRLs), being an important component of the society with huge influence on it, could contribute a lot to promote HM. This study was aimed at evaluating perceptions of the MRLs, their satisfaction and attitudes towards HM in Bangladesh.MethodsThis cross-sectional study collected data from a purposive sample of 503 MRLs using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire during December 2010 and January 2011. Main outcome measures included sociodemographic variables, MRLs' preferences in using HMs, their satisfaction and intent to use HMs in the future, and finally MRLs' attitudes toward HM use.ResultsAlthough two-fifth (40.4%) of the MRLs preferred HM among different form of complementary and alternative medicines, they used orthodox medicine (OM) more frequently than HM in last one year. Majority believed that HM was effective for all age groups (52.6%) and both sexes (74.5%). One-third felt that HM was more effective for chronic diseases, 68.5% felt that it only promotes health, and 40.8% said it keeps them relaxed. About 98.0% of the respondents experienced 'no harm' but 'benefit' from HM; naturally, they were satisfied with HM and were willing to recommend it to others. Urban, older (>40 years), and 'single' respondents were more likely to use HM (gender and education adjusted odds ratios = 1.7 [95% confidence interval, CI = 1.1-2.6], 1.9 [95% CI = 1.3-3.0], and 1.6 [95% CI = 1.2-2.1], respectively). Overall, respondents exhibited very positive attitude towards HM with mean score of 4.2 (range, 3.7-4.6) of a 5-point Likert scale (Score 5 for strongly agree to 1 for strongly disagree).ConclusionsWe report adequate perceptions, satisfaction, and very positive attitudes towards HM among MRLs. Mass media had a significant contribution towards its promotion. If HM are to assume a respected place in the contemporary healthcare, its acceptance among general population needs to be established through incorporating MRLs in the process of HM promotion in Bangladesh.

Prevalence, belief and awareness of preferring traditional healthcare system in urban and rural people of Noakhali district, Bangladesh

“…This might be due to the perception of low cost and less side effects of that system (Shaheen et al, 2010). They also showed almost similar interest like urban people on herbal medicine which is playing a major role in the health of the millions of people globally (Harun-Or-Rashid et al, 2011). Study also reports that rural people showed their preference more on a religious non-scientific method of treatment called spiritual healing than homeopathy and ayurvedic/unani treatment (Harun-Or-Rashid et al, 2011).…”

General perception and self-practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among undergraduate pharmacy students of Bangladesh

“…Broadly speaking, four types of CAM are being primarily practised in Bangladesh namely herbal, homeopathy, religious and magical methods. Both registered and unregistered (locally known as kabiraj) herbal practitioners are practicing CAM in the country at present [5]. The herbal method of complementary and alternative medicine mainly consists of ayurvedic and unani systems in Bangladesh.…”

“…Again 37% of them used to visit practitioner, whereas 31% was initially self-medicated. They used TCAM for simple complications like fever (1.9% of respondents surveyed), cough and cold (7.1%), high blood pressure (2.5%), stomach pain (3.4%) and dysentery (1.6%) [5, 7]. …”

“…It may be due to the lack of scientific evidence. Here 67% of the total users of TCAM belong to low-income population groups (up to 4000taka, per month) [5, 7]. As CAM is cost effective in Bangladesh, it is more preferred by low income professional groups.…”

Herbal Medicines Questionnaire and Evaluation of Attitude, Perceptions and Self-Use Among Health Care Professionals in Rak, Uae: Pilot Study

“…Participants reported that the lack of training and scientific evidence are the greatest barriers to the clinical use of HM. Therefore, curricula should be designed in order to overcome these barriers [29,30].…”