This study aims to explore the attitude of the local population of the North Black Sea coast area towards the use of medicinal plants and to evaluate the impact of demographic indicators such as gender, age, education and residence. The survey was conducted in the period April - June 2015 in various towns and villages, using face-to-face interview technique with random demographic selection of respondents. Pearson`s coefficient (r) was used for assessment of the impact of demographic indicators on respondents` answers.
Survey results show that 96.85% have a positive attitude, and only 4.32% exhibit indifference. From the demographic characteristics, only gender and age have a moderate impact. Cross-link analysis reveals that with the increase of the age of males their positive attitude towards the use of medicinal plants also increases, while female ratio is not significantly changed. The share of indifferent respondents and those who are positive but do not use medicinal plants, for both genders, is greatest among respondents aged between 20 and 30 years.
The local population of the North Black Sea coast area demonstrates a steady positive attitude towards the use of medicinal plants without outlining regional and local differences. A tendency of decreasing interest in medicinal plants among the younger generation is observed, which on its behalf is weakening the traditional knowledge on medicinal plants and its continuity.
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