Assessment of lifestyle, herbs, dietary and pharmacological preventive measures used among the public in Jordan to boost immunity during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the methods and practices for strengthening immunity and limiting virus spread among the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: A questionnaire was designed and distributed to the public in Jordan. Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle practices, and intakes of herbs, vitamins, diet, and medications during the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed.Results: A total of 1048 participants completed the survey, 75 % of which were females and 60 % were in the age group of 18 - 34 years. The majority (75 %) agreed that staying at home along with social distancing would be their best protective measure, combined with hygienic practices and disinfection (71 %). Ginger and mint (49 and 45 %), vitamins D and C (52 and 34 %;) were predominantly used. Of the participants, 77 and 66 %, respectively increased their consumption of citrus fruits and foods rich in vitamin C, when they experienced influenza-like symptoms, while 13 and 18 % of the participants used antibiotics and paracetamol, respectively. Moreover, 61 and 63 % of participants were aware of the guidelines on the use of antibiotics and NSAIDs for the treatment of viral infections.Conclusion: The public practices reflect the positive beliefs about lifestyle practices, and the use of herbs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and medication intake. There is a need to promote healthy practices and increase awareness of rational drug use.

Global Dietary and Herbal Supplement Use during COVID-19—A Scoping Review

“…In four papers from Asian countries, reported use of dietary supplements use during confinement ranged between 25–63% [ 18 , 20 , 26 , 31 ] (25.3%, n = 160), (37.7%, n = 772), (47%, n = 85) and (62.57%, n = 1224) respectively. In six papers from Middle East region countries, reported use of dietary supplements ranged between 15–71% [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 29 ] with (14.9%, n = 783), (25.5%, n = 145), (34%, n = 772), (36.35%, n = 381), (69.9%, n = 2076) and (71.5%, n = 309) respectively. In two papers from Europe, survey participants reported use was between 21–80% during confinement [ 19 , 30 ].…”

“…The most common types of dietary supplements reported were vitamin C, vitamin D, multivitamins, probiotics, omega-3, zinc, B complex vitamins; among these dietary supplements, the most frequently used supplements were vitamin C, vitamin D, multivitamins, and zinc with the range of population reported use (15–94%), (18–34%), (19–31%) and (3–18%) respectively. The most common reason cited for using dietary supplement during confinement was to strengthen immunity against COVID-19 to lower the risk of infection [ 18 , 21 , 23 , 25 , 26 ].…”

“…There were six studies reporting the use of herbal/natural products during COVID-19 pandemic. The most common reason reported for using herbal supplements/natural products was to enhance/strengthen immunity against COVID-19 [ 21 , 25 , 26 ]. Two studies reported they were using these supplements during confinement to protect them from disease and to lower the risk of infection [ 18 , 23 ].…”

“…The most common types of herbal supplements/ natural products reported were ginger, garlic, honey, turmeric, lemon, black seed, cinnamon, and anise. Among these products, ginger, honey, garlic, and turmeric (curcumin) were widely used among respondents with reported use between (32–56%), (30–46%), (10–34%) and (16–19%) respectively [ 18 , 21 , 24 , 25 , 27 ]. A study from China reported use of traditional Chinese herbal products by its participants during confinement: Lingzhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) ( n = 7/278, 2.5%), Chrysanthemi Flos ( n = 5/278, 1.8%), Isatidis Radix ( n = 5/278, 1.8%), and Glycyrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma ( n = 5/278, 1.8%) [ 26 ].…”

“…In contrast, during the pandemic, the percentage of people who reported they got their information from reliable journals, books, and family members increased by 2.8%, 0.3%, and 0.7%, respectively [ 27 ]. A study from Jordon reported, participants use of herbal supplements during confinement and their preparation methods were based on information gathered from the internet or television shows [ 25 ].…”