Persepsi Lansia dalam Pencarian Pengobatan Penyakit Degeneratif di Desa Timbang Jaya Kecamatan Bahorok Kabupaten Langkat

Abstract

The elderly are a population at high risk who can experience various kinds of degenerative diseases, this is because degenerative disease is a disease that accompanies the aging process in a person as they get older. In society, especially the elderly, choosing to seek treatment cannot be separted from health beliefs or beliefs (health belief model) to explain the health behavior of the elderly and how the elderly can prevent disease. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of elderly people in seeking treatment for degenerative diseases at Timbang Jaya Village, Bahorok district, Langkat Subdistricty. This research is qualitative research with an interactive model using observation methods, in-depth interviews and documentation. The number of informants in this research was twelve people. The results of the research show that treatment actions that can be cured by self-medication, seeking treatment from traditional medicine (traditional remedy) occupy the top place where the elderly are more oriented towards using traditional medicine that is easy to find in the middle of the living environment, treatment actions that can be cured with modern or medical facilities, as well as combining traditional and modern (medical) treatment for maximum results. The elderly’s search for treatment in Timbang Jaya Village, Bahorok District is influenced by the elderly's beliefs in taking action to prevent, screen or control disease conditions including perceptions of vulnerability, seriousness, benefits, barriers and cues to action. It is hoped that Bukit Lawang Health Officers will further socialize health services for the elderly through elderly posyandu.