| Abstract [eng] |
Aim of the study: To identify the characteristics of the use of herbs and medicinal plants in the daily diet among students of the Medardas Čobotas Third Age University. Tasks of the research: To determine how frequently and for what purposes the respondents use herbs and/or medicinal plants in their daily diet; to analyze the sources from which respondents obtain information about the use of herbs and/or medicinal plants; to identify which herbs and/or medicinal plants are used by the respondents in their daily diet; to determine and evaluate the respondents’ attitudes towards the effectiveness of herbs and medicinal plants. Methods: The study was conducted from January 27 to April 27, 2025, using a quantitative research method – a survey. The questionnaire consisted of 21 closed-ended questions with multiple choice answers and one open-ended question where respondents could write their own answers. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The study involved 120 students from the Medardas Čobotas Third Age University, the majority of whom (82.5%) were women. An analysis of the respondents' age revealed that only one participant was between 51 and 60 years old, while the rest were older: 21.7% were aged 61–70, 60.8% were aged 71–80, and 16.7% were over 80 years old. Most of the study participants (89.2%) had attained higher education. Almost all respondents (93.3%) lived in urban areas, while the remaining participants lived in small towns or rural areas. More than two-thirds of the respondents indicated that they were studying at the Faculty of Healthy Living. Almost all respondents (95.0%) reported using medicinal plants and/or herbs in their daily diet (Figure 1). Those who stated that they do not use medicinal plants or herbs explained that they believed these remedies to be unnecessary, ineffective, or noted that they lacked sufficient knowledge. The frequency of medicinal plant and/or herb use did not differ depending on gender, age, place of residence, level of education, or whether the respondent attended healthy lifestyle lectures. A total of 85.1% of respondents stated that they use medicinal plants and/or herbs to treat specific health problems (e.g., to improve sleep, increase energy, or enhance overall well-being). Statistical analysis showed that men and women, as well as individuals of different age groups, responded similarly to the question of whether they use medicinal plants and/or herbs for specific health issues. Respondents often reported using medicinal plants and/or herbs to treat digestive problems, improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and regulate high blood pressure. A significant number also indicated using them for other issues, such as lowering blood sugar levels, boosting the immune system, relieving pain, supporting urinary tract health, and treating colds. The study results revealed that men were more likely to use medicinal plants and/or herbs in the form of capsules, tablets, tinctures, or extracts. Respondents who studied at the Faculty of Healthy Living were significantly less likely than those who did not to report using medicinal plants and/or herbs in tincture or extract form. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that almost all respondents (95.0%) use medicinal plants and/or herbs in their daily diet (Figure 1). Those who stated that they do not use medicinal plants or herbs indicated that they believe these remedies are unnecessary, ineffective, or that they lack sufficient knowledge about them. The majority of respondents (85.1%) are aware that it is possible to overdose on medicinal plants and/or herbs; however, they are not convinced that the use of such products should be supervised by a pharmacist. |
