World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS' EXPERIENCES AND ATTITUDE TOWARD HERBAL MEDICINES IN JORDAN

Mohammed Khawaldeh*, Faisal Rihani, Thamer Kawaldeh, Shireen Andrawes, Malik Al-Hyari

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Globally, the use of natural products and medicines is on the rise. At the same time, the widespread use of these products by patients raises safety concerns. Some Jordanians still rely on traditional Arab medicine to treat various diseases like hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Some of these products are sold in pharmacies. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate pharmacists’ experiences and attitude toward herbal medicines in Jordan. Method: An online study of 110 community pharmacists using a structured questionnaire conducted during February 2022. The pharmacists were randomly selected randomly via pharmacy association. The study had autonomous questionnaire with 26 questions which carry out in community pharmacies across the Jordan. Results: 100 pharmacists from different parts of the region completed the questionnaire with response rate 92% of respondents The majority of respondents were female 70%. The pharmacists reported that that ginseng (51%) is the most common herbal preparation dispensed in community pharmacies. The majority of them answer correctly about ginger utilization for motion sickness (65%). More than half of respondents (63%)agree that herbal preparation is effective therapy. Most of them (42%) agreed with herbal products must available only in a pharmacy. 90% of respondents never use these products as self management. Conclusion: Pharmacists generally have positive attitudes toward herbal preparations. However, training programs are needed to train pharmacists in advising patients on the use and prescribing of herbal preparations.

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