Consumer Perception, Knowledge, and Practice of Traditional Herbal Medicines: A Case Study from Besut, Terengganu

Traditional herbal medicinal (THM) are commonly used by the local people as an alternative for health purposes. However, a lack of social research on this topic makes it difficult to accurately determine the extent of consumer knowledge about the benefits of THM. The transmission of knowledge about THM from one generation to another is poor, primarily relying on verbal communication. This limited transfer of knowledge hinders the dissemination of information and may contribute to a gap in understanding among consumers regarding the potential benefits of THM. This research is being conducted to determine the association between demographic profiles and THM practice. A survey was carried out over 150 THM consumers in Besut, Terengganu, using a self-administered questionnaire. The findings indicated that 69.3% of consumers are female, and most of the consumers are Muslims and Malay (91.3%), in line with the major population of Besut, Terengganu. The respondents consist of 67.3% from rural and urban areas (32.7%). Pearson Correlation Analysis indicates a high relationship between knowledge and practice; also, attitude and practice have a high relationship. People are shifting to natural medicine by using THM. Therefore, it is a good approach to provide information on THM in layman's language for better understanding. It fosters a sense of trust and confidence in the use of THM as a viable option for health management. Ultimately, providing information in layman's language can contribute to the widespread adoption and acceptance of traditional herbal medicinal, leading to improved overall health outcomes within the community.

Traditional herbal medicinal, consumer perception, knowledge

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