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Public knowledge and awareness of drug-herb interactions: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia
Ahmed A Albassam1, Nehad Jaser Ahmed1, Abdullah K Alahmari1
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Herbal medicines are widely used globally; however, public awareness of their appropriate use and potential adverse effects remains limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of herb-drug interactions among the general population in Saudi Arabia, a context where research in this area is scarce.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an electronic questionnaire disseminated through social media platforms. Data were analyzed with SAS® version 9.4, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with participants' knowledge scores.
Results:
A total of 834 respondents participated in the study. The majority were female (64.4%) and married (48.7%). More than half of the participants (57%) demonstrated moderate knowledge of herb-drug interactions. Age and region were negatively associated with knowledge levels, whereas female gender and prior use of herbal products were positively associated.
Conclusions:
The findings reveal a moderate level of public knowledge regarding herb-drug interactions in Saudi Arabia. Targeted educational initiatives and public health interventions are urgently needed to improve awareness and promote safe practices.
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