Belief and Practices Regarding Kerokan for “Masuk Angin” Across Different Age Groups: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Kerokan is a traditional healing practice widely used by Indonesians to treat masuk angin; however, no study has compared beliefs and practices across age groups within a unified quantitative framework. This study analyzed generational differences using a cross-sectional design with 115 respondents divided into four groups: adolescents (13–17 years), young adults (18–35 years), middle-aged adults (36–55 years), and older adults (56+ years) in West Java, Indonesia. A validated questionnaire (α = 0.882) measured beliefs through four subscales (Perception, Science Fact/Myth, Efficacy & Safety, and Cultural Belief) and ten practice variables, analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Chi-Square, and Spearman's Rho tests. Overall belief was moderate (67.6%). Perception scored highest (78.0%) while Efficacy & Safety scored lowest (59.1%). Significant age-related differences were found across all belief subscales (p < 0.05), with adolescents unexpectedly holding stronger beliefs than young adults, attributed to parental socialization. From ten practice variables, only timing and performer differed significantly by age group. Family remained the sole knowledge source across all groups (97.6%). Cultural Belief was the strongest predictor of kerokan frequency (r = -0.328, p < 0.001), highlighting the need for age-appropriate and culturally responsive health communication.