Pharmacists´ attitude, perceptions and knowledge towards the use of herbal products in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to assess pharmacists’ current practice, perception and knowledge towards the use of herbal products in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study assessed the need for incorporating herbal medicine as a separate topic in under- graduate pharmacy student curricula.MethodsThe study was done on 600 pharmacists employed in Abu Dhabi, who were contacted electronically, out of which 271 had completed the survey. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire.ResultsPharmacists’ use of herbal products is high in the UAE, as they have a high belief on the effectiveness of herbal products, and only age was found to be the most predominant variable that was influencing pharmacists’ personal use of herbal products (p-value=0.0171). Pharmacists were more knowledgeable on the uses/indications of herbal products (47%) rather than on other areas. Knowledge of the dispensing mode (prescription only or over the counter medicines) mandated by the Ministry of Health was quite good, however, it is to be noted that the source of information on the dispensing mode was provided by medical representatives (48%). Knowledge of dispensing mode of herbal products was found to be significantly influenced by the place of work with more knowledge of the dispensing mode by pharmacists working in the private sector (p-value 0.0007). The results from the study also underscores the need for including herbal medicine as a separate topic in pharmacy college curriculum and to provide for more seminars and continuing pharmacy education programs targeting pharmacists in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.ConclusionsPharmacists need to be informed on indications, drug interactions, adverse events and precautions of herbal products. Concerned bodies must also provide them with regular continuing education programs apart from putting their efforts to incorporate relevant topics on herbal medicine in the pharmacy students’ curriculum.

Opinions of pharmacists and herbalists on herbal medicine use and receiving herbal medicine education in Jordan

“…Pharmacists reported high sales of registered HMs at their community pharmacies, which is similar to what was reported in the UAE [13] and Palestine [14]. Pharmacists believe that Jordanians use HMs due to beliefs in their safety and efficacy.…”

“…Revising the existing local pharmacy curriculum and providing training for pharmacy graduates on clinical phytotherapy is recommended [13]. Fortunately, this is the case in Jordan, as most practicing pharmacists in the community setting receive extensive education in this domain at the undergraduate B.Pharm and Pharm.D degree levels [11].…”

“…In order to perform their role efficiently, pharmacists need to be knowledgeable on all aspects of HM pharmacology and therapeutics [13]. The lack of knowledge on registered HMs among pharmacists can lead to poor-quality care including failure to refer the patient back to their doctor when required, failure to form a rationale for treatment, failure to explain the treatment, and failure to consider the risks of HM-drug interactions [3].…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Herbs and Herbal Products Among Health Sciences Students of a University in Uae

“…This questionnaire is designed to draw conclusions about the behavior and target of using herbs and herbal medicines by students of health sciences (Dentistry and Pharmacy) in a university in UAE 6 .…”

Pharmacists perceptions of community pharmacy practice in UAE: An Overview

“…This study will, also, explore antibiotics dispensing patterns as many studies done in UAE reported that dispensing antibiotics as an over the counter medications is a relatively frequent problem [1,2]. In addition, a limited published data is available about the provision of pharmaceutical care in community pharmacies in the UAE [3]. Almost no documentation of efforts was taking place in community pharmacy [4].…”