Medicinal plants use by elderly people in Kashan, Iran

Background: There is limited information about the use of medicinal plants (MPs) by older adults in Middle East countries, including Iran. Objective: This study aimed to assess the MP use by older adults in Kashan, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 770 older adults who were randomly selected from different areas of Kashan, Iran. A questionnaire was used to gather the data. The data were described using the measures of descriptive statistics and analyzed via the Chi-square and the Fisher's exact tests. Results: Totally, 67.8% of participants used MPs. MPs were used, respectively, for abdominal pain, temperament modification, tranquilization, constipation, and common cold. Significant statistical relationships were found between MP use and variables such as gender, having hyperlipidemia, employment status, belief in the effectiveness of the MPs, and the level of knowledge about them. Conclusion: Older adults widely use MPs. Public education programs should be implemented to inform people, particularly elderly people, about the risks associated with the over-the-counter use of MPs and their interactions with conventional medications.