scholarly journals Effect of an Educational Intervention about Herbal Medicine on the Knowledge of Physicians and Pharmacists

2020 ◽  
pp. 49-65
Author(s):  
Ede Tyrell ◽  
Karishma Jeeboo ◽  
Jewel Edmonson- Carter ◽  
Troy Thomas ◽  
Rajini Kurup
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Formal Training ◽  
Bitter Melon ◽  
Multinomial Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Aims: To evaluate the effect of a video educational intervention, on the knowledge of physicians and pharmacists with respect to their awareness of the difference between local bush medicines (bush) and imported herbal medicines (herb); and, their uses, side effects, contraindications and drug interactions. Also, to determine if there was exposure to and an interest in formal training on Complementary, Alternative and Bush Medicine (CABM). Study Design: A cross-sectional study of registered pharmacists and physicians in Guyana, attending their annual conferences, was carried out with a self-administered survey questionnaire on medicinal plants. Methodology: Participants completed the Pre-Questionnaire; then were shown a video and subsequently given a similar Post-Questionnaire. The impact of the video was investigated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Wilcoxon Sign Rank tests and logistic and multinomial regression models. Results: A total of 274 (134 pharmacists and 140 doctors) persons participated. The bush which most were aware of, was corilla/bitter melon, both in the pre-questionnaire (60%) and in the post-questionnaire (83%). Cranberry (pre-score 48%, post-score 51%) was the most identified herb. A comparison of the pre and post scores using the paired t-test (t=2.528, df=175, P=0.005) indicated improved awareness. Most persons were able to identify one use of corilla/bitter melon (pre-score 61%, post-score 70%). However, for the other bush/herbs, and for the side effects, contraindications and drug interactions, knowledge was lacking although there were significant improvements after the intervention. 44% indicated that CABM was part of their formal training and pharmacists were more likely to have had formal training. 88% were interested in further training. Conclusion: The study found a paucity of knowledge about medicinal plants and therefore strongly recommends implementing formal education on CABM in university curricula and in future Continuing Education (CE) sessions. The video intervention had a significant impact and should be used as a template.

scholarly journals Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practices Regarding Herbal Medicine

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Catherine Santanello ◽  
Ashlyn Carr
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Reliable Information ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Article Type ◽  
Knowledge Survey ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: With the increase of herbal medicine sales and a lack of reliable information available to consumers, it is important for pharmacists to be knowledgeable about these products and have the ability to effectively counsel on their uses and risks. The purpose of this study was to: 1) assess community pharmacists’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding herbal medicines, 2) understand the impact pharmacists may have on their patients’ herbal medicine use, and 3) gauge what practices could be improved. Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed to community pharmacists through email, social media, and in-person at local pharmacies. The survey consisted of general background questions, questions assessing perceptions and practices regarding herbal medicine, and a ten-question true/false quiz to assess knowledge. Survey data was collected and assessed using Qualtrics and Excel. Results: Of the 127 community pharmacists who completed the survey, only 34% were confident in their ability to effectively counsel patients on herbal medicines. Approximately 50% of pharmacists reported never or rarely asking patients about herbal medicine use and 80% reported never or rarely documenting herbal medicine use. Only 25% of pharmacists reported that they always discuss side effects and 19% reported that they always discuss herb-drug interactions when patients are using herbal medicines. The average quiz score assessing knowledge of herbal medicines was 6.06 out of 10. Conclusions: It is important for community pharmacists to be knowledgeable about herbal medicines and prepared to educate patients to ensure safe medication use. Pharmacists need to acknowledge the use of herbal medicine in their patients and always discuss potential side effects and herb-drug interactions. It is also important that pharmacists know where they can find reliable information on herbal medicines and use evidence-based resources when possible.   Article Type: Student Project

Medicinal plants’ use among patients with dyslipidemia: an Iranian cross-sectional survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hashem Hashempur ◽  
Seyed Hamdollah Mosavat ◽  
Mojtaba Heydari ◽  
Mesbah Shams
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Zingiber Officinale ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Herbal Preparations ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
High Prevalence

Abstract Background Despite growing demand for medicinal plants, there is little data about their use by patients with dyslipidemia. We aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern, and associated factors for the use of medicinal plants among patients with dyslipidemia. Methods A 17-item semi-structured questionnaire was filled out by 195 patients with dyslipidemia in a cross-sectional study carried out in two academic endocrinology clinics in Shiraz, Iran. The questionnaire comprised of three main domains of demographic data (6 questions), clinical data (2 of them), and data related to the use of medicinal plants (totally 9 questions). Results A total of 77.4% of patients took medicinal plants. The most common medicinal herbs used by dyslipidemic patients were Zataria multiflora, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Zingiber officinale. Duration of dyslipidemia was significantly longer in herbal users than non-herbal users (p=0.04). Patients believing that concomitant use of conventional drugs and herbal preparations had synergic positive effects in addition to those persuaded that herbal preparations possessed less side effects, were significantly more likely to use medicinal plants (p=0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Additionally, most of the medicinal herb users (87.4%) changed neither the pattern nor the dosage of their medications all during herbal preparations use. Conclusions This study demonstrated a high prevalence of medicinal plants’ use among patients with dyslipidemia, which was associated with the duration of dyslipidemia, patients’ viewpoints about herbal preparations’ synergic positive effects, and their fewer side effects.

Herbal Drug Interactions

2017 ◽  
pp. 201-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mymoona Akhter
Keyword(s):  
Drug Interaction ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Herbal Drugs ◽  
Herbal Drug ◽  
Herbal Therapy ◽  
Alternative Medicines ◽  
Regulatory Bodies

Use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for preventive and therapeutic purposes has increased tremendously in the last two decades internationally. The manufacturers of these products are not required to submit proof of safety or efficacy to the Food and Drug Administration. As a result, the adverse effects and drug interactions associated with them are largely unknown. In this chapter, the author presents interactions of herbal medicines with other medicines (herbal or non-herbal). A large number of herbal drugs, including from single drug to a variety of mixtures have been used to treat kidney disorders. Herb-herb or herb drug interaction has been reported intensively during last decade, therefore it becomes important to keep an eye on the use of combination herbal therapy in order to avoid serious results because of interactions with each other. Due to the growing awareness about the interactions and side effects of herbal drugs/supplements over the past few years, regulatory bodies are working on these issues and pharmacopoeias are being developed for reference.

scholarly journals Ethnodirigid study of Medicinal plants used by the population assisted by the “Programa de Saúde da Família” (Family Health Program) in Marechal Deodoro - AL, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 410-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Lima Melro ◽  
S. A. Fonseca ◽  
J. M. Silva Júnior ◽  
S. P. B. Franco ◽  
M. A. Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lemon Balm ◽  
Family Health Program ◽  
Socioeconomic Data ◽  
The City

Abstract This study aimed to assess diagnosis of Unique Health System (SUS) users profile with regard to herbal medicine. This is a cross-sectional study with observational data collection conducted in the city of Marechal Deodoro, through a semi-structured questionnaire with questions related to socioeconomic data, use, and knowledge of medicinal plants and herbal medicines and satisfaction with the use of medicinal herbs (MH) and interactions of phytotherapeutic drugs (PD). Among the topics, 86.89% of users used herbal medicines often, especially lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.). It was also observed that the plants are generally used as a sedative (21.74%) and as tea (87.84%). 82.32% of respondents claim to have acquired the knowledge of herbal medicine through a family member and 85.36% make use of medicinal plants without having received any information on the use of MH and PD. 61% of the plants described that coincided with the form of use and therapeutic properties found in the literature. With regard to satisfaction by treatment with MH and PD, it was found that 56.67% are satisfied. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this aspect of usage, in order to avoid possible drug interactions or adverse reactions resulting from the incorrect use.

scholarly journals Pilot Educational Intervention to Promote Safe Pesticide Use Practices Among Farmworkers in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (8) ◽  
pp. 866-875
Author(s):  
Pramesh Koju ◽  
Prabin R Shakya ◽  
Archana Shrestha ◽  
Biraj M Karmacharya ◽  
Sudip Shrestha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Pesticide Exposure ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health And Environmental Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Hands And Feet ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives The misuse of pesticides among farmworkers in Nepal is commonplace. To address this, we implemented a pilot educational intervention (three modules delivered over 3 days and lasting approximately 3 h each) in Kavre District of Nepal. Modules included: (i) health and environmental effects of pesticides, (ii) use of personal protective equipment, and (iii) label literacy and behavioral factors that influence pesticide exposure. In addition, 10 posters with key messages from each of the modules were hung throughout communities. Methods Surveys were administered to cross-sectional convenience samples of farmworkers at baseline (n = 106) and 1 year later (n = 98). Practices relating to pesticides at baseline and endline were compared using multivariable logistic regression to adjust for differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics between the samples. Results Compared with the baseline sample, farmworkers in the endline sample were significantly more likely to report: getting information regarding the amount of pesticides to use from experts or pesticide labels (versus personal judgment); wearing gloves while mixing pesticides; wearing boots while working in the field; using personal hygiene practices after handling pesticides such as bathing or washing hands and feet; changing clothes after handling pesticides; checking the wind direction before spraying; and delaying entry for a longer period of time after spraying. Conclusions These results suggest that a simple educational intervention can improve pesticide handling practices among farmworkers in Nepal. Future research should explore the impact of such interventions on pesticide exposure levels and health outcomes, and the potential to scale up these programs nationally.

The Frequency of Using Herbal Medicines Among Patients With Hypertension in Kerman, Iran, 2012-2013

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haleh Tajadini ◽  
Kouros Divsalar ◽  
Mitra Mehrabani ◽  
Ali Akbar Haghdoost ◽  
Zahra Esmaili ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
The Past ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Medical Plants

Introduction. The use of medicinal plants has dramatically increased in recent years. Given the increasing rate of hypertension and medical plants usage by these patients and considering drug interactions due to concomitant use with drugs, the present study aims to evaluate the rate of medicinal plants usage in hypertensive patients. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study (descriptive–analytical) in which 650 hypertensive patients referring to the subspecialty clinic of Kerman were questioned about medicinal plants usage by a medicinal plants questionnaire. Among these patients, there were 612 who consented to participate. After the variables were described, the data were finally analyzed using Stata 12. Results. The average age of those using these drugs in the past year was 58.8 ± 10 years. Of the total number of participants using medicinal plants, there were 58 males (23.5%) and 122 females (33.4%). There were 129 participants (72.5%) using medicinal plants through self-administration, 17 participants (9.5%) on experienced users’ advice, 16 participants (9%) as administered by herbalists, and 11 participants (6%) as administered by doctors. However, the most important resources for using a drug that prevents hypertension were family and friends (74 participants; 41.5%) and doctors (13 participants; 7.3%). According to the results, there was no significant difference between the level of education and medicinal plants usage ( P = .95); however, there was a significant difference between gender and medicinal plants usage ( P = .009). Discussion. According to the results indicating the relatively high prevalence of medicinal plants usage and their arbitrary use by hypertensive patients without consulting a specialist, it seems necessary to plan for more effective and secure public education and train people to provide herbal drug services for various diseases with hypertension being the most common one.

scholarly journals Are Patients on Oral Anticoagulation Therapy Aware of its Effects? A Cross-sectional Study from Karachi, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Zahid ◽  
Syed Wajih Ul Hassan ◽  
Nida Sehar Bhurya ◽  
Sheena Nadeem Alam ◽  
Bakht Hussain Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Oral Anticoagulant ◽  
Oral Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Life Threatening

Abstract Objective: Oral anticoagulants are one of the most frequently used medications. However, these drugs have a range of side effects including potential life-threatening complications. Little is known regarding the awareness of its side effect profile amongst the patients in Pakistan. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of oral anticoagulant therapy and its side effects among its users. Results: The mean age was 48.9 ± 15.2 years. Mean scores of the participants for knowledge regarding oral anticoagulants and knowledge specific to warfarin were 49.9 ± 16.2% and 14.6 ± 16.4% respectively. Most notably, the majority of the patients (65.7%) did not know what side effects to be wary of or how to reduce their occurrence; and most of them were unaware of the interaction between oral anticoagulant drugs and over-the-counter substances such as aspirin, herbal medicines and alcohol. Knowledge of International Normalised Ratio (INR) was extremely poor with more than 75% of the population not being aware of the target INR range during warfarin therapy. Higher level of education was significantly associated with better knowledge scores. On the whole, knowledge of oral anticoagulant therapy and INR monitoring is extremely poor among oral anticoagulant users.

scholarly journals High rate of major drug–drug interactions of lopinavir–ritonavir for COVID-19 treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Macías ◽  
Ana Pinilla ◽  
Francisco A. Lao-Dominguez ◽  
Anaïs Corma ◽  
Enrique Contreras-Macias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Drug Interactions ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Charlson Index ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Concomitant Medications ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Major Drug

AbstractThe impact of drug–drug interactions (DDI) between ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV-r) to treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and commonly used drugs in clinical practice is not well-known. Thus, we evaluated the rate and severity of DDI between LPV-r for COVID-19 treatment and concomitant medications. This was a cross-sectional study including all individuals diagnosed of SARS-CoV-2 infection treated with LPV-r and attended at a single center in Southern Spain (March 1st to April 30th, 2020). The frequency [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] of potential and major DDI were calculated. Overall, 469 patients were diagnosed of COVID-19, 125 (27%) of them were prescribed LPV-r. LPV-r had potential DDI with concomitant medications in 97 (78%, 95% CI 69–85%) patients, and in 33 (26%, 95% CI 19–35%) individuals showed major DDI. Twelve (36%) patients with major DDI and 14 (15%) individuals without major DDI died (p = 0.010). After adjustment, only the Charlson index was independently associated with death [adjusted OR (95% CI) for Charlson index ≥ 5: 85 (10–731), p < 0.001]. LPV-r was discontinued due to side effects in 31 (25%) patients. Management by the Infectious Diseases Unit was associated with a lower likelihood of major DDI [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 0.14 (0.04–0.53), p = 0.003). In conclusion, a high frequency of DDI between LPV-r for treating COVID-19 and concomitant medications was found, including major DDI. Patients with major DDI showed worse outcomes, but this association was explained by the older age and comorbidities. Patients managed by the Infectious Diseases Unit had lower risk of major DDI.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document