Factors Relating to the Demand for Alternative Medicine Services among People in Phayao Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research article was to study the factors relating to the demand for alternative medical services in Phayao Province. The research was conducted from January to August 2024 using the PRECEDE MODEL theory as a conceptual framework. The sample of 333 people was calculated using the n4Studies program. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a validity and a reliability of 0.76. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analyzed the relationship using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient. The research results found that the majority of the sample was female (56.8 percent), with an average age of 40 years, marital status (60.4 percent), a bachelor's degree (46.2 percent), and an income of more than 18,000 baht (32.7 percent). The correlation analysis found that the factors that had a statistically significant positive relationship with the need for alternative medical services (p < 0.001) were social support (r = .721), access to service sources (r = .627), perceived benefits (r = .470), attitudes toward efficiency and receipt of news from the media (r = .423), knowledge about health care (r = .411), and experience in using services (r = .266). Recommendations from the research should support the increase in alternative medical service locations to make them easily accessible, provide accurate information to create understanding among the public, and promote health advice from families and medical personnel.