Pharmacists´ Dispensing Practices, Attitudes and Knowledge towards Herbal Products in Palestine
Publication Type
Original research
Authors
  • Waleed M Sweileh, Enass M. Abu Arrah, Adham S Abu-Taha, Ansam F. Sawalha, Ola A Salah, Raniah M. Jamous, Deema Adawi
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Waleed M Sweileh, Enass M. Abu Arrah, Adham S Abu-Taha, Ansam F. Sawalha, Ola A Salah, Raniah M. Jamous, Deema Adawi
Background and Objectives: With the global rise in the use of herbal products; pressure is increasing on pharmacists to have more knowledge about herbal medicine. We assessed pharmacists' dispensing practices, attitudes, and knowledge regarding herbal products.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among community pharmacists in north Palestine using a questionnaire. A convenience sample of 100 community pharmacists was included in the study. The mean age of participants was 33±11 years. Results: Dispensing of herbal products was common. The majority of participants (91%) believed that herbal products were beneficial and 61% believed these had fewer side effects than conventional medicines. Most participants thought they have good knowledge of herbal preparations. However, their actual knowledge in response to factual questionnaire was low. The lowest score was observed for herbal drug interactions domain.Conclusions: Although herbal products are commonly dispensed in Palestine, community pharmacists have poor knowledge about these medicines. Continuing pharmacy education in general is needed for community pharmacists to qualify them to provide a better pharmaceutical care.
Journal
Title
Ibnosina Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Publisher
--
Publisher Country
Palestine
Publication Type
Both (Printed and Online)
Volume
--
Year
2013
Pages
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