PERCEPTION AND USE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT AND COSMETICS AMONGST MALAY HIGH SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN KUALA LUMPUR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37268/mjphm/vol.1/no.1/art.1217Keywords:
adolescents, Malay, traditional cosmetics, traditional medicineAbstract
Due to the increasing demand for modern medical treatment and modern cosmetics by society, traditional sources have been neglected by younger generations. This study assesses the baseline level of Malay high school adolescents' use and perceptions of traditional medical treatment and cosmetics. I 00 Malay high school students in Kuala Lumpur were administered a six-part questionnaire. It was found that (!) the family is a strong external influence in their choice of medical treatment, (2) a wide variety of services are used by choice when they become ill, (3) a majority (68.8%) of these adolescents have a definite "loose" belief in traditional medical treatment and related cosmetics; and (4) they would welcome promotion and information about these for the purposes of promoting their health and preserving their cultural heritage. Further study and action to broaden adolescent knowledge of traditional medical treatment and cosmetics are essential to ensure the continuance of this type of health promotion for the next generation.
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