Role of traditional and complementary medicine in sustaining health and well-being of Malaysians

Shariffah Suraya Syed Jamaludin, . and Harn Shian, Boo and Premalatha Karupiah, . and Teh, Rachel Pik Jing (2024) Role of traditional and complementary medicine in sustaining health and well-being of Malaysians. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management (Malaysia), 19 (3). pp. 10-25. ISSN 2672-7226

Traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) is widely known among Malaysians for its practices. This paper aims to examine users’ experiences and perceptions of TCM on its role in sustaining the health and well-being of Malaysians. To achieve the objective of this study, a qualitative study was conducted with the respondents by using an online in-depth interview through the video conferencing platform. Fifteen respondents residing in Penang, Malaysia who used TCM including Traditional Malay Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Indian Medicine, and Islamic Medical Practice were recruited for this study. The data from the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic approach was used for data analysis to identify emerging themes and sub-themes. Results indicated five core themes: (i) Strength of traditional beliefs on TCM, (ii) Personalised patient-practitioner relationship, (iii) Perceived effectiveness of TCM (iv) TCM provides better preventive measures, and (v) TCM promotes a holistic approach to health and well-being. Here, it concludes that TCM impacts Malaysians’ health and well- being. Therefore, its potential for growth and importance, especially for sustaining health and well-being cannot be denied. Further research with a larger sample of respondents is needed to represent the population better while deepening the understanding of users’ experiences and perceptions.

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Abstract

Traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) is widely known among Malaysians for its practices. This paper aims to examine users’ experiences and perceptions of TCM on its role in sustaining the health and well-being of Malaysians. To achieve the objective of this study, a qualitative study was conducted with the respondents by using an online in-depth interview through the video conferencing platform. Fifteen respondents residing in Penang, Malaysia who used TCM including Traditional Malay Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Indian Medicine, and Islamic Medical Practice were recruited for this study. The data from the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic approach was used for data analysis to identify emerging themes and sub-themes. Results indicated five core themes: (i) Strength of traditional beliefs on TCM, (ii) Personalised patient-practitioner relationship, (iii) Perceived effectiveness of TCM (iv) TCM provides better preventive measures, and (v) TCM promotes a holistic approach to health and well-being. Here, it concludes that TCM impacts Malaysians’ health and well- being. Therefore, its potential for growth and importance, especially for sustaining health and well-being cannot be denied. Further research with a larger sample of respondents is needed to represent the population better while deepening the understanding of users’ experiences and perceptions.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	medicinal plants
AGROVOC Term:	traditional medicines
AGROVOC Term:	health care
AGROVOC Term:	phytotherapy
AGROVOC Term:	extraction
AGROVOC Term:	nutritive value
AGROVOC Term:	human health
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	19 Feb 2025 07:42
Last Modified:	19 Feb 2025 07:42
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2457

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