Determining individuals’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences concerning sumac (Rhus coriaria L.)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the individuals’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences concerning sumac (Rhus coriaria L.). The researchers collected the data from 139 participants, living in the cities of Siirt and Mardin, by using a survey, prepared based on the relevant literature, between 01 July and 15 August 2021. The mean age of the participants was 24.42±4.44 (min:18 – max:65) and 82.0% of them were female. 45.3% of the participants had an undergraduate or higher education. 81.3% of the participants stated that they had knowledge about the health benefits of sumac. 74.1% of them stated that they obtained this information from their family, partner, friend, and relatives. When the frequency of consuming sumac was evaluated, 28.1% of the participants stated that they consumed it once a week and 20.9% every day. 80.6% of the participants stated that sumac was effective for the treatment of stomach disorders, 79.9% for the treatment of infection, 74.1% for the treatment of influenza, 67.6% for alleviating respiratory distress, 63.3% for the treatment of gastric ulcer, and 59.7% for lowering blood pressure. Based on the experiences of the individuals, it was determined that sumac was effective for the treatment of stomach disorders (80.6%), the treatment of infection (79.9%), the treatment of influenza (74.1%), alleviating respiratory distress (67.6%), the treatment of gastric ulcer (63.3%), and lowering blood pressure (59.7%).