The 4th International Conference on Nursing

Author :

(1) Niko Kristianingrum; (2) Wiwin Wiarsih; (2) Astuti Nursasi

Affiliation :

(1) School of Nursing, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; (2) Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia

Abstract :

Background The prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases including diabetes mellitus have increased along with the increasing numbers of elderly people. Diabetes mellitus requires long-term treatment. Currently, there is a growing interest in the used of herbal medicine for diabetes due to the side effects associated with oral hypoglycemic agents. This study aimed to explore the experience of consuming herbal medicine among elderly with diabetes. Methods This study applied descriptive phenomenology approach. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. There were nine participants, older people with diabetes mellitus, ≥ 60 years old, be able to tell their experience (can speak Indonesian language, not having impairment in speech, hearing, and cognitive), ever or were consuming herbal medicine, expressed their willingness to be interviewed and involved in the study. Audio recorder and field notes were used for data recordings. Data were transcribed and analyzed using Collaizzi method. Results The results revealed some themes including various of herbal medicine, uncertain rules for taking herbal medicine, many information sources of herbal medicine, the benefits of taking herbal medicines, perceptions about herbal medicine, and the easiness of obtaining herbal medicines Conclusions It is identified that current practice allows the elderly to consume freely the herbal medicines. The government has to set a regulation to standardize herbal medicine and the health workers should monitor diabetes medication consumption regularly.

Keywords :

Diabetes Mellitus; Elderly; Herbal Medicine