Age and gender effect on the use of herbal medicine products and food supplements among the elderly.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the users of herbal medicine products and food supplements with regard to age and gender specifically among persons aged > or = 60 years.


METHODS
A descriptive study with baseline data from a longitudinal study of the elderly, stratified into different age cohorts (60-69, 70-79, 80-89, and > or = 90 years).


METHODS
Blekinge county, situated in south-eastern Sweden.


METHODS
In total 1380 persons aged 60-96 years (median age 78 years).


METHODS
Current use of herbal medicine products and the use of food supplements.


RESULTS
Of the participants, 264/1380 (19.1%) used at least one herbal medicine product, 184/1380 (13.3%) used at least one food supplement and 382/1380 (27.7%) used herbal medicine products and/or food supplements. In all regression models, women had a higher probability of using herbal medicine and/or food supplements in comparison with men. Focusing on the use of herbal medicine products alone and the combination of using herbal medicine and/or food supplements, decreased use was seen with increasing age. However, 27.9% were still users of herbal medicine products and/or food supplements in the age group 80-89 years. In comparison, 14% were users in the age group > or = 90 years. Age did not have an impact on the probability of taking food supplements.


CONCLUSIONS
General practitioners need to consider the high use of herbal medicine products and food supplements among the elderly when making decisions on treatment.
Stjernberg
Louise
L
School of Health Science, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden. louise.stjernberg@bth.se
Berglund
Johan
J
Halling
Anders
A
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012651:Self Medication; D012737:Sex Factors
D028321:Plant Preparations