FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE COVID-19 PATIENTS TO CHOOSE HERBAL MEDICINES

This research paper aims to study the factors that drive Covid-19 patients to take herbal supplements to find out the reasons behind the consumption of herbal supplements as the first choice of medicine. Researchers conducted the research via online interviews and online questionnaires with 30 participants who were Covid-19 patients. Factors that resulted in Covid-19 patients choosing to take herbal medicine are divided into three areas: the efficacy of herbs, properties of herbs, and access to herbal products. It was done by analyzing the data using the number of respondents. The results showed that most respondents were female (18 people), followed by 12 males. The majority of respondents were 18-35 years old, numbering 13 people, followed by the age range of 36-55 years, amounting to 10 people. Most respondents were at the bachelors degree level (17 people), followed by ten people with qualifications lower than a bachelors degree. Most respondents had an average monthly income of fewer than 10,000 baht (15 people), followed by 10,001 – 30,000 baht (12 people). Regarding the properties of herbal medicines, 25 respondents commented that they have healing properties of the side effects of Covid-19. In addition, all respondents agreed that herbal medicines are reliable and safe. Regarding price, 19 respondents stated that herbal medicines were reasonably priced, while 11 indicated their prices were just acceptable. Lastly, 23 patients responded that they received medicinal advice from doctors to use herbal medicines.