<![CDATA[Many older adults experience health problems, including joint pain associated with elevated uric acid levels (gout). This population may also be vulnerable to adverse effects and complications related to long-term pharmacological treatment. Complementary herbal approaches, such as Ginger Poultice Therapy (GPT), may be considered as potential supportive options; however, their efficacy and safety require further empirical evaluation. This cross-sectional survey aimed to identify the characteristics of older adults with gout as baseline data prior to therapeutic research involving ginger as a complementary approach. An observational analytic cross-sectional design was employed using data on the frequency distribution of the older adult population and uric acid screening results. Information on previous use of GPT and physical activity patterns was also collected. The findings indicated that prior use of GPT was limited and that a substantial proportion of participants did not engage in routine physical activity. These findings provide baseline information for the development of subsequent intervention studies evaluating GPT and physical activity among older adults with gout. Because of the cross-sectional design, the study does not establish the effectiveness of GPT, its safety, or its ability to reduce uric acid levels or the risks associated with long-term pharmacological treatment. Further controlled studies are therefore required to evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of GPT as a complementary approach.]]>
