Perception Study on the Use of Medicinal Plants in Tulamben Village: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background: Medicinal plants have been used for generations by the community of Tulamben Village, Karangasem Regency, as part of traditional healthcare practices. Objective: This study aimed to determine community perceptions in Banjar Dinas Tulamben regarding the use of medicinal plants as traditional medicine. Methods: An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was employed using in-depth interviews and a questionnaire. A total of 265 respondents were selected by accidental sampling from a population of 791 residents. The quantitative instrument consisted of 22 statements covering five indicators and was analyzed univariately. Results: All respondents had used plants as traditional medicine; 93% prepared remedies themselves, 63% mainly obtained information from family or friends, 50% processed plants by grinding, and 62% used them orally. Turmeric was the most commonly utilized plant (36%). Respondents were predominantly female (72.5%), aged 18–44 years (54.3%), and senior high school/vocational school graduates (48.6%). The questionnaire showed an average perception score of 86%, categorized as positive (>51%). Conclusion: The Banjar Dinas Tulamben community has a positive perception of medicinal plant use, providing a basis for locally grounded health education programs