Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Rinzin Wangdi Eusa 10-Bedded Hospital, Ministry of Health, Wangdue Rinzin Wangdi 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Rinzin Wangdi Traditional Medicine Unit, Eusa Hospital, Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan Rinzin Wangdi
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Deki Lhamo Traditional Medicine Unit, Damphu District Hospital, Tsirang, Bhutan Deki Lhamo
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Lhapchu Lhapchu Traditional Medicine unit, Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Bhutan Lhapchu Lhapchu
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Ugyen Dema Traditional Medicine unit, Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Bhutan Ugyen Dema
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| Co-Investigator(s) |
Kinley Dorji Traditional Medicine Unit, Samtse District Hospital, Samtse, Bhutan Kinley Dorji
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Dechen Wangmo Traditional Medicine Unit, Phuentsholing Hospital, Chukha, Bhutan Dechen Wangmo
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Thinley Dorji Department of Internal Medicine, Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Bhutan Thinley Dorji
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards utilization of Traditional Medicine services among patients in selected districts: a mixed-methods study |
| Public title | Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards utilization of Traditional Medicine services among patients in selected districts: a mixed-methods study |
| Background | Traditional, complementary, or alternative medicine (TCAM) has gained global popularity, offering diverse herbal remedies and therapies. In Bhutan, Traditional Medicine (TM), known as Sowa Rigpa, holds significant importance alongside allopathic medicine. Despite its widespread use, limited research exists on patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding TM services. This study assesses these aspects among patients visiting selected hospitals in Bhutan's southern districts. |
| Objectives | This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward the utilization of Traditional Medicine services among patients visiting selected hospitals in southern Bhutan from May to September 2025. |
| Study Methods | This mixed-methods study will employ a concurrent triangulation design, combining quantitative (cross-sectional survey) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) approaches. The quantitative data will be collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using STATA software. Knowledge will be categorized as 'good,' 'satisfactory,' or 'poor,' and associations with socio-demographic factors will be assessed using log-binomial regression. The qualitative component will involve semi-structured interviews, analyzed thematically to identify key themes and subthemes related to KAP. Ethics approval will be sought from the Research Ethics Board of Health, Bhutan. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The study is expected to provide insights into the current state of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Traditional Medicine services among patients in southern Bhutan. The findings will inform strategies to enhance service delivery, patient education, and overall satisfaction with traditional medicine services. Additionally, the results will support evidence-based policymaking and strategic planning for the integration and regulation of traditional medicine within the national healthcare system. |
| Keywords | Traditional Medicine, knowledge, attitude, practice, complementary medicine, healthcare utilization. |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 07-Apr-2025 |
| End Date | 31-Dec-2025 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Ministry of Health |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan, Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Health Care Seeking/Utilization |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Other (Mixed-method Study(Quantitative & Qualitative)) | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |