Open AccessFactors Affecting Tendency and Adherence to Traditional Persian Medicine: A Qualitative Study
Author(s) -
Mansoureh Sabbagh-Bani-Azad,
Roja Rahimi,
Abbas Kebriaeezadeh,
Mohammad Mahdi Zolfagharzadeh,
Akbar Abdollahiasl
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
jundishapur journal of natural pharmaceutical products
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.228
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 2228-7876
pISSN - 1735-7780
DOI - 10.5812/jjnpp.107933
Subject(s) - persian , thematic analysis , qualitative research , transparency (behavior) , status quo , focus group , alternative medicine , health care , traditional medicine , medicine , healthcare system , psychology , nursing , medical education , family medicine , political science , sociology , business , social science , marketing , philosophy , linguistics , pathology , law
Background: Adherence to medications is crucial for them to be effective. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) is an ancient medical discipline originated from old Persia and is currently used along with modern medicine in Iran. Evaluating the factors affecting adherence to TPM can have far-reaching implications for policymakers to make informed decisions. Objectives: This qualitative study investigates the factors affecting tendency and adherence to TPM among Iranians. Methods: We collected data from stakeholders in TPM using a focus group involving 13 participants and by conducting four in-depth interviews. The saturation point was reached at the 4th interview. We recorded all the interviews and then transcribed them verbatim for thematic content analysis. Results: We obtained 297 codes and 29 sub-themes for the factors affecting adherence to TPM, including the factors affecting compliance and tendency. Then we extracted the main themes. People’s beliefs, the inherent characteristics of traditional medicine and its status quo, attempts to bring about positive changes to TPM, and the problems facing the modern health system were the main factors affecting adherence to TPM. Conclusions: Despite many strenuous efforts in Iran to study TPM along with the lines of evidence-based medicine, policymaking, financing, patients’ and healthcare providers’ education, popular beliefs, and administrative transparency are needed to be addressed more adequately to promote adherence to TPM and help build integrative medicine in Iran’s healthcare system.