Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 14(1), pp. 83 - 89
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140109
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Socio-Demographic Factors and Health Literacy in Relation to Herbal Medicine Use Behaviors among Older Adults in Northern Thailand

Phanit Srisuttha ¹, Uratcha Sadjapong ², Pongsaton Silangirn ¹, Keng Chaichana ¹, Sakesun Thongtip ^3,*
1 Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand
² Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand
³ Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand

ABSTRACT

Background: Socio-demographic factors, health literacy (HL), and herbal medicine use behaviors are key contributors to improved self-care practices and enhanced quality of life among older adults. We examined the factors associated with herbal medicine use behaviors among elderly individuals in Northern Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of older persons aged 60 and up was done between April and May 2025, with a total of 382 participants. Socio-demographic factors and herbal medicine use behaviors were assessed using a structured questionnaire. HL was measured using the European Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16). Results: The results indicated that the prevalence of herbal medicine use was 67.8%. HL levels were distributed as follows: 60.5% had likely sufficient HL, 21.2% had likely problematic HL, and 18.3% had inadequate HL. In the binary logistic regression analysis, the odds of herbal medicine use were higher among participants aged ≥65 years (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.10–2.65), those without diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.09–3.13), individuals with a history of falls in the previous year (OR = 4.47, 95% CI: 1.97–10.13), and those with inadequate HL (OR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.56–6.27). Conclusions: The findings revealed that participants aged ≥65 years, those without diabetes mellitus, individuals with a history of falls in the previous year, and those with inadequate HL were more likely to use herbal medicine. These results suggest that interventions addressing socio-demographic factors and HL could improve health outcomes related to herbal medicine use in this demographic.

KEYWORDS
Health Literacy, Herbal Medicine Use Behavior, Older Adults

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Phanit Srisuttha , Uratcha Sadjapong , Pongsaton Silangirn , Keng Chaichana , Sakesun Thongtip , "Socio-Demographic Factors and Health Literacy in Relation to Herbal Medicine Use Behaviors among Older Adults in Northern Thailand," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 83 - 89, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140109.

(b). APA Format:
Phanit Srisuttha , Uratcha Sadjapong , Pongsaton Silangirn , Keng Chaichana , Sakesun Thongtip (2026). Socio-Demographic Factors and Health Literacy in Relation to Herbal Medicine Use Behaviors among Older Adults in Northern Thailand. Universal Journal of Public Health, 14(1), 83 - 89. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2026.140109.