Utilization of traditional and complementary medicine in Indonesia: Results of a national survey in 2014-15

Background and purpose: Scant information exists about traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) use in Indonesia, which prompted investigating its prevalence and correlates in Indonesia. Materials and methods: Participants were 31,415 individuals 15 years and older that participated in the cross-sectional Indonesia Family Life Survey in 2014-15. Results: In all, 24.4% had used a traditional practitioner and/or traditional medicine in the past four weeks, and 32.9% had used complementary medicine in the past four weeks. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, being of older age, being a Muslim, residing in an urban area or on Java, being unhealthy, having a chronic condition, having depression symptoms, experiencing sleep disturbance, and having high social support were associated with both current traditional practitioner and/or medicine use and complementary medicine use. Conclusion: The study shows a high prevalence of TCAM use in Indonesia and several sociodemographic and health related factors of its use were identified.