Socio-Cultural Perceptions and Health Literacy on Cupping Therapy: A Case Study of the Felda Jengka 8 Community

This study explores the level of understanding and perceptions of cupping therapy within the rural Felda Jengka 8 community in Pahang. Cupping, a form of traditional medicine, remains integral to the local healthcare practices, deeply rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. However, the community’s understanding of the practice is inconsistent, largely shaped by informal knowledge rather than scientific evidence. A mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews, was used to assess the socio-cultural factors influencing the community’s knowledge of cupping, including education and access to information. Findings reveal significant gaps in health literacy, particularly regarding the safety and efficacy of cupping, as well as a strong reliance on cultural narratives. These insights highlight the need for culturally tailored health education interventions to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern medicine. The study recommended for integrating traditional therapies into formal healthcare frameworks to enhance health literacy in rural communities.