Prevalence of using herbs and natural products as a protective measure during the COVID-19 pandemic among the Saudi population: an online cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Considering that no food or supplement has been authorised to prevent COVID-19, individuals continue to search for and consume specific herbs, foods and commercial supplements for this purpose. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of using such alternatives, determine their usage reasons and evaluate their potential side effects. An online cross-sectional survey of 1,054 participants was conducted from 1 May to 31 July 2020 and focused on respondents’ chronic disease histories, socio-demographic characteristics and frequency and trends of using these products. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed to determine prevalence and associations between various products used and respondents’ socio-demographic data. Relationships were tested using Pearson’s chi-square test or an exact probability test. The use of herbs and natural products merely because of the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly increased (p=0.036) among Saudi populations. The products included honey (84%), black seeds (63%), lemon (54%) and ginger (41%). Furthermore, the distribution of using herbs and natural products was not linked with any socio-demographic factors other than age. Among the population, 69.30% were aware that herbs can improve their immunity but will not protect them from COVID-19. Finally, the current study highlights the undesirable side effects associated with using herbs and natural products in patients with chronic disease and recommends future research to assess the undesirable effects of using herbs in patients with diabetes with a control group.

Fear of COVID-19 and the Media Influence on Herbal Medication Use in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Our results as well as those of a study conducted in Saudi Arabia 16 showed that media was the main source of information from which more than 80% of the participants reported to have seen or accessed messages about herbal medication use. Media further increased the use of herbal medication in 65% of the participants which is consistent with what studies by Alotiby et al 14 and Alyami et al 4 reported that the biggest motivators for participants to pursue herbal products were Media and the Internet.…”

“…15 However, in Saudi Arabia use of herbal medicines was way higher (92.7%) during this COVID-19 pandemic. 16 In our study, female participants as well as the unemployed were found to be more likely to use herbal medicines. This finding is, however, contrary to that of Vietnam where low-income earners were less likely to use herbal medicines.…”

The Impact of Media on Public Health Awareness Concerning the Use of Natural Remedies Against the COVID-19 Outbreak in Saudi Arabia

“…This supports the findings of previous studies by Alyami et al and Alotiby et al which also reported the high popularity of ginger, onion, and garlic in the general population as a way of improving immunity and reducing the risk of developing COVID-19. 2 , 20 Regarding banana and olive oil, the prevalence of their use by the general population was very low in comparison to other natural remedies at the outset. 20 This explains why they were the least discontinued natural remedies.…”

“… 2 , 20 Regarding banana and olive oil, the prevalence of their use by the general population was very low in comparison to other natural remedies at the outset. 20 This explains why they were the least discontinued natural remedies. Per the survey, positive effects of the broadcasted awareness videos on changing the participants’ beliefs and trust toward the use of natural remedies to fight COVID-19 infection were reported more in participants from the Central than from the Eastern region ( p =0.044).…”

“…The final question in this section was to evaluate the behavioral changes of the participants who watched the awareness videos by asking them which of the 14 listed items (most common herbs and protective measures) that were circulated during the outbreak on social media had they stopped using. 20 The second section consisted of six questions about the participants’ general information, such as the area of residence, nationality, gender, age, educational level, and health status.…”