The use of vitamin supplements and herbal medicines among members of Elderly Posyandu during the COVID-19 pandemic in North Jakarta
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2478/AMB-2023-0029Keywords:
COVID-19, vitamins, supplements, traditional herbal medicines, PosyanduAbstract
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the elderly have been identifi ed as a particularly vulnerable group. The use of vitamin supplements and herbal medicines to enhance immunity has been a measure to prevent the development of COVID-19.
Purpose: This study was performed to identify the use of supplemental vitamins and herbal medicines including analyzing the benefi t of using them among the elderly who participated in the “Mawar” Elderly Posyandu (integrated health post) in North Jakarta, Indonesia, during the pandemic.
Materials and methods: This was a descriptive study with a crosssectional design. The target population for the study were active participants of “Mawar” Elderly Posyandu aged at least 60 years old.
Results: Although the majority of respondents only had an elementary and high school education as their highest educational attainment, they had good enough knowledge about COVID-19. During the pandemic, 81 and 79 out of 85 respondents consumed vitamin supplements and herbal medicines, respectively. Vitamin C and ginger were the most widely used vitamin supplement and herbal product. There were 55.56% and 35.44% of respondents who felt better after consuming supplements and herbal products for one week.
Conclusion: This study recommends that government should support the revitalization of elderly Posyandu as it may improve the awareness of the community to maintain their health.
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