Philippine Journal of Science
153 (4): 1315-1328, August 2024
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 25 Jan 2024
Social and Personal Determinants of Herbal Supplement Use in Metro Cebu, the Philippines
Gerard Lee L. See1,3*, Florencio V. Arce Jr.1,3, Gea Abigail U. Ecoy1,3, Mark Niño B. Melgo1, Micah M. Areja1, Lorraine V. Tagle1, Athena Jessica S. Ong1,4, and Delia E. Belleza2
1Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Care Professions, University of San Carlos, Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu 6000 the Philippines 2Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of San Carlos, Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu 6000 the Philippines 3Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, National Research Council of the Philippines, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631 the Philippines 4The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia
*Corresponding author: glsee@usc.edu.ph
See GL et al. 2024. Social and Personal Determinants of Herbal Supplement Use in Metro Cebu, the Philippines. Philipp J Sci 153(4): 1315–1328. https://doi.org/10.56899/153.04.06
ABSTRACT
The present study identified herbal supplement usage patterns in Metro Cebu and comprehensively examined consumer education and behavior regarding these supplements. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from March–July 2023 involving 316 respondents, selected through purposive sampling. The study collected data on demographic characteristics, usage patterns, sources of information, and potential hesitations related to herbal supplement use. Results indicate that the typical Metro Cebu herbal supplement user is more likely to be female, possess higher education, earn above the minimum wage, and primarily reside in Cebu City (n = 202, 63.9%). Usage of herbal supplements is driven by proactive health behaviors often influenced by social networks. Respondents generally hold a positive view of herbal supplement use, particularly those who consume them daily, attributing their preference to natural products, and their perceived cost-effectiveness and potential health benefits compared to conventional medicines. The following subgroups also tend to have more positive views about herbal supplements: [a] older age, [b] employed, [c] at a lower level of education, [d] have known illnesses, and [e] have used the product for 1-5 yr. While respondents actively verify information (n = 243, 76.9%) and inform healthcare providers (n = 180, 57%) about their supplement use, the extent to which they rely on healthcare professionals and scientific sources for guidance in shaping their behavior and product choices is limited. The study underscores the need for enhanced guidance and surveillance from healthcare providers. Furthermore, it highlights a regulatory gap in the governing framework for herbal supplement use and marketing, emphasizing the importance of revisiting or introducing regulations and guidelines to ensure safe and informed consumption practices. Keywords: herbal medicine, herbal supplement use, social health