Exploring herb use among community-dwelling older adults: A qualitative study

The present study explored older adults' experience in using herbs and to identify the need for nurse involvement. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted to investigate older adults' experience using herbs, their reasons for choosing them, and the methods of use. Twelve participants aged 60 years and older who use herbs were interviewed in this study. The Braun and Clarke's six-step reflexive thematic analysis framework was applied to process and evaluate data. The study also used the ATLAS.ti program to organize, analyze, visualize, and present the research findings. Three themes were identified, conveying seven sub-themes: (1) The source of herbal use information, (2) considerations for using herbs, and (3) challenges during herb use. The source of information was the media, family/relatives, and health facilities. Older adults considered the purpose and reason to choose herbs over prescription drugs when deciding to use herbs. In addition, there was a harbor concern of the long-term consequences of consuming prescription drugs. Nurses needed to ensure that older adults had adequate e-health literacy skills to filter and select valid herbal information including discussion of using herbal experience for treatment. On the other hand, they are required to have sufficient knowledge of recommended herb usage through formal training. They should also provide time to explore herb usage among older people during nursing assessment. Openly acknowledge and encourage discussion to ensure safe interaction of herb usage and prescribed drug will promote successfulness of disease management among older people.