Patterns of Natural-Based Health Product Use and Halal Perception for Women’s Health among Undergraduate Female Students in Universitas Islam Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Natural-based health products are increasingly used by women to support reproductive health, beauty, and overall well-being. Among undergraduate Muslim female students, halal perception is considered an important factor influencing health-related product choices. However, empirical evidence on the influence of halal perception on the use of natural-based health products among female university students remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to know the patterns of natural-based health product use for women’s health, identify factors influencing that use, and examine the influence of halal perception on natural-based health product use among female students at Universitas Islam Indonesia. Methods: This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from 102 eligible female students of Universitas Islam Indonesia. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. Results: Natural products were commonly used by respondents to support reproductive health, beauty, and overall well-being. Halal perception had a positive and significant influence on the use of natural products (β = 0.820, t = 16.160, p < 0.001). The coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.672) indicated that halal perception explained 67.2% of the variance in natural product use. Conclusion: Natural products are widely used by female students at Universitas Islam Indonesia for women’s health. The main factors influencing their use were perceived effectiveness, positive experiences, routine health practices, and women’s health needs. Halal perception had a positive and significant influence on natural-based health product use, highlighting the role of halal considerations in shaping health-related consumption behavior among Muslim female students.