Use of medicinal plants by the elderly

Ani Cátia Giotto, Míriam de Moura Cabral, Maria Cristina Teles Araújo.

Abstract

The objective was to analyze the knowledge, use, and perception of the elderly about medicinal plants. A cross-sectional, observational, investigative study was conducted by means of a quali-quantitative survey. The data collection was conditioned to a structured questionnaire organized in an online form. Elderly men and women living in the city of Valparaíso de Goiás, Goiás, attended by the Unidades Básicas de Saúde (Basic Health Units) of the locality in question answered the questions. The elderly use medicinal plants without recommendation by health teams, often they use them because of the high cost of synthetic drugs and because they grow them in their own environment. Medicinal plants were reported as important for quality of life, however, even though they are easily accessible, it is necessary that users have monitoring with health professionals, because the side effects can cause physiological problems, generating aggravation to the health of the elderly.

 

Author Biographies

Ani Cátia Giotto, Faculdade de Ciências e Educação Sena Aires

PhD in Botany; Master in Forest Sciences; Bachelor in Biological Sciences.

Míriam de Moura Cabral, Faculdade de Ciências e Educação Sena Aires

Nursing student at the Faculdade de Ciências e Educação Sena Aires.

Maria Cristina Teles Araújo, Faculdade de Ciências e Educação Sena Aires.

Nursing student at the Faculdade de Ciências e Educação Sena Aires.

Published
2021-09-13