Knowledge, awareness, and attitude towards medicinal plants among high school students : inputs for establishing an ethnobotanical garden / Richel A. Hugos.

Western Visayas is one of the richest and most diverse source of traditional herbs in the Philippines, and part of the region is Antique province, which is known for its people relying on medicinal plants to treat illnesses. On this account, the researcher investigated the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of junior high school students towards medicinal plants as basis in establishing an ethnobotanical garden.

This study utilized descriptive research to analyze the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of junior high school students of Antique National School towards medicinal plants during the school year 2022-2023. A sample of 388 junior high school students of Antique National School was taken through the fishbowl method.

Data was collected using validated researcher made survey questionnaire on the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of students toward the use of common medicinal plants. Additionally, a collected response was calculated and analyzed using mean, t-test, and ANOVA.

Regardless of their sex, grade level, and socio-economic status, results have shown that junior high school students were familiar and have high level of knowledge of common medicinal plants.

They were aware of the use and application of the common medicinal plants. They were favorable on the use and application of medicinal plants.

Furthermore, no significant difference existed in the level of knowledge and awareness of junior high school students regarding common medicinal plants when classified according to sex and socio-economic status.

Meanwhile, no significant difference was noted in the level of attitude of junior high school students towards the use of common medicinal plants when classified according to sex and grade level.

Katakatakala, Pansit-pansitan, Tawa-tawa, Baho-baho, Pandanggagay/Litlitian, Alusiman, Herba buena, Bakhaw, Herba artemisa, and Tabungaw were found to be the least common medicinal plants.

Based on the study's findings, it was concluded that the junior high school students were familiar with the common medicinal plants. To further improve the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of students, it is recommended that medicinal plants be planted in an ethnobotanical garden. The researcher also recommends that the use and importance of medicinal plants should be integrated into the curriculum. Keywords:

Medicinal Plants, Knowledge, Awareness, Attitude

Main-Masteral Theses