Author/Authors :
shahwan, shazana binte mohamed buangkok green medical park - institute of mental health - research division, Singapore , abdin, edimansyah buangkok green medical park - institute of mental health - research division, Singapore , vaingankar, janhavi buangkok green medical park - institute of mental health - research division, Singapore , shafie, saleha binte buangkok green medical park - institute of mental health - research division, Singapore , ann, chong siow buangkok green medical park - institute of mental health - research division, Singapore , subramaniam, mythily buangkok green medical park - institute of mental health - research division, Singapore
Abstract :
Objective: The objectives were to identify the socio-demographic characteristics of older adults who visit traditional healers as well as identify medical and psychiatric conditions that are associated with visits to the traditional healer. Methods: Data from 2563 older adults who participated in the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly (WiSE) population-based survey was used. Sociodemographic information, details on traditional healer visits as well as medical and psychiatric conditions were collated through an adapted 10/66 protocol. Results: A total of 10.4% of older adults sought help from a traditional healer within the past three months. There were significantly more visits to traditional healers by women, those whose highest level of education was primary or secondary school, those who had stomach/intestine problems and those who had anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: Traditional healers appear to be a preferred source of help among some older adult groups. Future research should focus on the impact of seeking help from these alternative healthcare providers in terms of clinical outcomes and costs.
Keywords :
Traditional Medicine , Alternative Medicine , Older Adult , Help , Seeking , Treatment
