Persepsi Masyarakat terhadap Praktik Pengobatan Tradisional dalam Konteks Budaya Gorontalo

Abstract

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi persepsi masyarakat Gorontalo terhadap praktik pengobatan tradisional serta memahami bagaimana nilai budaya memengaruhi pemilihan metode pengobatan tersebut. Penelitian ini bermanfaat untuk memberikan wawasan bagi masyarakat, tenaga kesehatan, dan akademisi mengenai keterkaitan antara budaya lokal dan perilaku kesehatan. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik wawancara semi-terstruktur. Sebanyak sepuluh responden dari berbagai wilayah di Gorontalo dipilih menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Wawancara dilakukan melalui telepon dan pesan daring untuk menggali pengalaman, alasan, efektivitas, keamanan, penerimaan sosial, serta nilai budaya terkait pengobatan tradisional. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa seluruh responden pernah menggunakan pengobatan tradisional, terutama ramuan herbal dan pijat urut. Mereka memilih metode ini karena dianggap lebih alami, murah, mudah diakses, serta didasari kepercayaan turun-temurun. Responden juga menilai pengobatan tradisional cukup efektif, aman, dan tetap relevan di masa kini. Masyarakat sekitar umumnya menerima praktik ini sebagai bagian dari adat. Semua responden setuju bahwa pengobatan tradisional perlu dilestarikan sebagai warisan budaya Gorontalo. Dengan demikian, pengobatan tradisional masih memiliki posisi penting dalam kehidupan masyarakat Gorontalo dan dipengaruhi kuat oleh nilai budaya lokal.

Kata kunci: persepsi masyarakat, pengobatan tradisional, budaya gorontalo, kesehatan masyarakat

Abstract

This study aims to explore the perceptions of the Gorontalo community regarding traditional medicine practices and to understand how cultural values influence the choice of these treatment methods. This research is beneficial in providing insights for the community, healthcare workers, and academics regarding the relationship between local culture and health behavior. The method used is descriptive qualitative research with semi-structured interview techniques. A total of ten respondents from various regions in Gorontalo were selected using purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted via phone and online messages to explore experiences, reasons, effectiveness, safety, social acceptance, and cultural values related to traditional medicine. The results of the study show that all respondents had used traditional medicine, especially herbal remedies and therapeutic massage. They chose this method because it is considered more natural, inexpensive, easily accessible, and based on generational beliefs. Respondents also considered traditional medicine to be quite effective, safe, and still relevant today. The surrounding community generally accepts this practice as part of their customs. All respondents agreed that traditional medicine needs to be preserved as Gorontalo's cultural heritage. Thus, traditional medicine still holds an important position in the lives of the Gorontalo community and is strongly influenced by local cultural values.

Keywords: community perceptions, traditional medicine, Gorontalo culture, public health