Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives Toward the Integration of over the Counter Supplements During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan

Abstract

Objective: During COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers (HCPs) have been inundated with consultations related to over the counter (OTC) dietary supplements’ protective role. Thus, the present study focused on assessing HCPs perceptions toward OTC products integration during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Pertinent data was collected using validated-online survey comprising four sections: demographics, OTC supplementation perceptions, awareness related to safety of OTC supplements, confidence in recommending dosage and counseling to patients regarding OTC supplements’ safety, and some health-related behaviors. Quantified perception score represented by corrected confidence-concern ratio was used in assessing perceptions, and associations between demographics with perception and awareness were explored. Results: A total of 600 responses were included in the final analysis. Vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D were the most popularly recommended OTC supplements. Most respondents indicated positive perceptions toward dietary supplementation while around 60% of respondents reported reluctance about the protective role of COVID-19 vaccination. Bachelor’s degree holders (AOR = 4.39, 95% CI = 2.25–10.33), pharmacists (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.5–9.5), and junior HCPs (<1 year experience) had improved perceptions compared to college graduates, physicians, and senior practitioners (AOR = .17, 95% CI = .04–.78 and AOR = .15, 95% CI = .02–.93), respectively. Conclusion: Suboptimal knowledge among HCPs toward the safety and hazards associated with integration of different OTC supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic dictates further education to ensure the safe integration of OTC supplements.

Vitamin D and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: SERVE Study (SARS-CoV-2 Exposure and the Role of Vitamin D among Hospital Employees)

“…Despite a lack of data to support the role of vitamin D in COVID-19 prevention, the fear of contracting infection and easy access to over the counter supplements has led to high rates of supplement use to boost immunity across the world ( 28 ). While many health care practitioners recommend prophylactic vitamin D supplements to their patients for prevention of COVID-19, ( 29 ), our results suggest that there is not sufficient evidence for this practice. Further, mounting evidence of the risks of high dose vitamin D supplementation suggests that there may be risks associated with this practice ( 30 , 32 , 51 ).…”

“…Since the onset of the pandemic, the use of supplements thought to improve immunity has burgeoned ( 28 ). Despite a lack of evidence, a recent study found that nearly 70% of health care workers reported recommending vitamin D supplements to their patients for prevention of COVID-19, regardless of patients’ baseline 25OHD level ( 29 ). Given the widespread use of vitamin D supplements for COVID-19 prevention as well as increasing evidence of potential harms of high-dose vitamin D ( 30 , 31 , 32 ), it is critical to investigate whether and to what extent vitamin D status and supplement use relate to infection risk among healthy individuals.…”

Is Dietary (Food) Supplement Intake Reported in European National Nutrition Surveys?

“…Several studies exhibited an increase in the use of DSs before and during COVID-19 in Europe [94,95]. There is inadequate evidence to recommend in favor of or against DSs for the prevention or therapy of COVID-19 [96]. Studies published have yielded conflicting results [97][98][99][100].…”

Cross-Sectional Assessment of Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge and Perception of Drug-Drug Interactions with Over the Counter Products

“…A cross-sectional survey was designed for this purpose, focusing on orally administered OTC products due to their systemic effects, especially analgesics, antipyretics, cough syrups, antacids, and antihistamines owing to their widespread use in Jordan and their interaction with commonly prescribed medications to treat chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. [9][10][11] This study aims to assess Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy final years' students' knowledge and perception toward potential DDIs perpetrated by commonly dispensed OTC products. Another aim was to evaluate students' ability to identify prescription from non-prescription medications.…”