Journal of Clinical Research & Bioethics

Usage of herbal medicines in older adults in Singapore

3^rd International Conference on Advanced Clinical Research and Clinical Trials

September 20-21, 2017 Dublin, Ireland

Chay-Hoon Tan

National University of Singapore, Singapore

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Clin Res Bioeth

Abstract:

Introduction: Herbal medicines (HM) are a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modality that will likely play greater roles in older adults�?? care. HM�??s oral nature coupled with age-related pharmacological changes, comorbidities and poly-pharmacy put older adults at risk of drug-herb interactions, adverse reactions and hospitalizations. However, current studies focus largely on CAM use in the general population. Objective: To investigate the utilization patterns and factors associated with HM use of older adults in Singapore. Methods: A cross-sectional study of subjects from association between diet and health status study (project 10-517). Sociodemographic and health variables were collected from project 10-517 and telephone interviews regarding HM utilization were conducted on corresponding subjects. Inclusion criteria of subjects were: no intervention study participation; written consent for follow-up and; verbal consent. Exclusion criteria included inability to contact/interview after �?�3 attempts and; inability to speak on phone. Results: 509 subjects were interviewed. Subjects�?? mean age was 67±6 years old. 12 month HM prevalence was 60.1%. Top 3 HM included American ginseng (n=161, 52.6%), wolfberry (n=104, 34.0%) and Codonopsis (n=69, 22.5%). They were mainly used for health improvement with high satisfaction levels. Sociodemographic predictor variables included gender (female OR:3.199, CI:2.021- 5.065), age (�?�76 years old, OR:0.444, CI:0.198�??0.997) and high social activities level (high, OR:1.964, CI:1.012�??3.813). Health predictor factors included family history of dementia (OR:3.157, CI:1.036�??9.618), improvement of self-rated health (OR:1.799, CI:1.020�??3.173) and specific chronic conditions like arthritis (OR:1.994,CI:1.039-3.823) and cancer (OR:0.367,CI:0.148-0.911). Conclusion: HM utilization patterns, sociodemographic and health predictor variables found in this study can aid healthcare professionals to identify potential/current HM users and initiate individualized education/consultation on safe HM use among older adults.

Biography :

Chay-Hoon Tan is the Clinical Associate Professor in Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore and Consultant Psychiatrist in the Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital.