THE PRACTICE OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG THE MALAYS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This research aims to uncover the realities underlying the management of health and illness among the Malays in Singapore. Specifically, it looks into self-medication practices of the Malays in Singapore and examine why, when and how they self-medicate. Since Singapore is made up of multiple medical configurations, an analysis is also made on how the Malays utilise the numerous medical choices available to them in their efforts to self-medicate.

From this research, it is found that Malays do not necessarily practise self-medication only when an illness strikes. In fact, self-medication is practised all the time - before and after the onset of illness, as well as before and after the consultation with a medical expert. Thus, in order to cope with the different stages of their health, Malays self-medicate by using a variety of ways, ranging from the use of Western biomedicine to the application of the most ancient traditional methods of cure.

The research also reveals that the Malays in Singapore are generally confident with self-medication as it has proven to serve its purpose well either to prevent, relieve or cure an illness.