COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES USED AMONG ADULT PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN ACEH, INDONESIA
ABSTRACT: This study aimed to
reveal Complementary Therapies (CT) use among adult patients with type 2
diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Aceh, Indonesia, and to determine the reasons of
using the CT.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was undertaken using a
self-reported questionnaire. One hundred and fifty four adult patients with
T2DM has been completed the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to
analyze the data.
Results: Herbs as a part of biological based therapies were the most
popular of CT use among subjects in this study (100%) followed by mind-body
intervention (94.2%), manipulation and body based methods (19.5%) and
alternative medical methods (3.9%). The reasons for using each CT based on the
belief in effects of CT on lowering blood sugar (100%), maintaining healthy
body (76.6%), and relieving symptoms of DM (35.7%). Relatives and friends
(98.7%) were main resources to obtain the CT information, and the family
members (91.0%) were main support of CT use. While, the nature (89.0%) was the
easiest source to access a CT product, followed by local markets (36.4%).
Conclusion: This study found that herbs were believed by all subjects
could reducing blood glucose, maintaining healthy body, and relieving symptoms
of DM. Family members and easy to access the CT products from nature took the
important role in influencing a person to use CT. More experimental studies
examining effects of each CT especially herbal medicine and mind-body
intervention are needed in the future.
Author: Niswah, Chinnawong T,
Manasurakarn J
Journal Code: jpkeperawatangg140005