Usage of Traditional Medicines Among Elderly and the Prevalence of Prednisolone Contamination

Usage of Traditional Medicines Among Elderly and the Prevalence of Prednisolone Contamination

The elderly consume many medications including traditional medicines. In 1986, it was found that 29% of elderly took traditional medicines although in 1996, the National Health Morbidity survey reported a 2.3% prevalence. However, studies from other countries showed much higher percentages. The Ministry of Health in Malaysia is concerned that some of these preparations maybe contaminated with steroids, antihistamines, hormones and other poisons. The aims of the study were to determine a). the health seeking behaviour of elderly Malays living in rural areas, b). the utilization of both modern and traditional medicines and c). the steroid content of the traditional medicines used.

Zabidah Ismail et al.

2005

200828134

Malays J Med Sci

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3349401/