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Wahab MSA, Jalani MM, Goh KW, Ming LC, Faller EM. Why Did I Consult My Pharmacist about Herbal and Dietary Supplements? An Online Survey Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710994. [PMID: 36078707 PMCID: PMC9517816 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Herbal and dietary supplements (HDSs) are frequently obtained from community pharmacies, but community pharmacists (CPs) have been underutilized for information regarding them. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of, factors behind, and reasons for consultation with CPs among HDS consumers in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted among conveniently sampled individuals in Malaysia. Reasons for consultation or non-consultation with CPs about HDSs were sought from the respondents. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of consultation with CPs. Overall, 40.3% (239/593) of participants consulted CPs about the HDSs that they purchased. The participants were predominantly unmarried (362/588, 61.6%) and belonged to the 18-29 age group (332/593, 56%). The multivariate analysis showed that a suburban residential setting was the only significant predictor for consultation with CPs (adjusted odds ratio = 0.390, 95% CI = 0.260-0.583). Respondents who consulted CPs generally agreed that the CPs were the right people to consult on HDSs (mean = 4.37, SD = 0.73). However, their discussion with CPs regarding HDSs mostly revolved around the benefits and directions for use, but little on the potential risks. Meanwhile, most respondents who did not consult CPs agreed that they had never thought of consulting CPs about their HDS use (mean = 3.45, SD = 1.02). The majority of them referred to the Internet (61.3%, 217/354) and social media (59.9%, 212/354) for information about HDSs. The findings from this study show that more efforts are warranted in encouraging consumers to consult CPs about their HDS use and to enhance their awareness of the roles of CPs in ensuring the safe use of HDSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Shahezwan Abd Wahab
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, Puncak Alam 42300, Malaysia
- Non-Destructive Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Centre, Smart Manufacturing Research Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, Puncak Alam 42300, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.W.); (L.C.M.)
| | - Muhammad Mustaqim Jalani
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, Puncak Alam 42300, Malaysia
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- PAP Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.W.); (L.C.M.)
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Thin SM, Thet D, Li JY, Nakpun T, Nitadpakorn S, Phanudulkitti C, Sorofman BA, Watcharadamrongkun S, Kittisopee T. A systematic review of community pharmacist practices in complementary medicine. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2022; 20:2697. [PMID: 36733509 PMCID: PMC9851825 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2022.3.2697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The people who use complementary medicines (CMs) believe that these medicines are safe and harmless. They could easily access CMs like herbal or traditional medicines in community pharmacies. Therefore, community pharmacists are important professionals in advising the safe choices of CMs and providing evidence-based information for customers to decrease adverse effects of CMs. Objectives To systematically review knowledge, attitude, and practices of community pharmacists about CMs, and the factors associated with CM practices of dispensing, recommending and counseling patients, and answering the patients' queries. Method An electronic search was performed with four databases: PubMed, Scopus, SpringerLink and ScienceDirect, from 1990 to 19th May 2022. The inclusion criteria were studies 1) about knowledge, attitude, and/or practices of community pharmacists about CMs, 2) written in English, 3) conducted with quantitative methods, and 4) able to retrieve full text. Results Twenty-three studies were included in this systematic review. Some studies showed that less than half of the pharmacists asked or counselled about CMs to their patients and answered the patients' queries about CMs. Only 20% of the pharmacists did report CM side-effects. Training or education about CMs was a common factor associated with the CM practice of dispensing, recommending, counseling, and answering the patients' queries about CMs. CMs recommended most by community pharmacists were vitamins & minerals, food or dietary supplements, fish oil and probiotics. The most common dispensed CMs were vitamins & minerals, herbs, food or dietary supplements, fish oil and essential oils. Lacks of reliable information sources and scientific evidence were common barriers for the CM practices. Being less expensive than conventional medicines motivated the pharmacists to recommend and discuss about CMs. The community pharmacists that participated in included studies suggested strengthening CM trainings and highlight the pharmacist role in CM therapy. Conclusion A high percentage of community pharmacists did dispense CMs to their patients, while a low percentage of the pharmacists did report CM side effects. Pharmacists were most comfortable recommending and responding the patients' CM queries. Training or education about CMs associated with CM dispensing, recommending, discussing, and answering the patients' queries about CMs was recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Myat Thin
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Daylia Thet
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Jia Yu Li
- Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Tulakarn Nakpun
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, 26120, Thailand.
| | - Sujin Nitadpakorn
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Thammasat University, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
| | | | - Bernard A Sorofman
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Iowa, 115 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Suntaree Watcharadamrongkun
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Tanattha Kittisopee
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Ng JY, Tahir U, Dhaliwal S. Barriers, knowledge, and training related to pharmacists' counselling on dietary and herbal supplements: a systematic review of qualitative studies. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:499. [PMID: 34034710 PMCID: PMC8147056 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06502-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacists are recognized as one of the most accessible healthcare providers and are licensed to advise patients on drugs and health products including dietary and herbal supplements (DHSs). The objective of this study was to identify barriers, knowledge, and training that pharmacists report related to DHSs counselling. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED and CINAHL were systematically searched from database inception to May 8th, 2020. Eligible articles contained qualitative data with a specific focus on pharmacists’ perceived knowledge, training, and barriers to DHSs counselling. Relevant data were extracted, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Results Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The following three main themes were identified: challenges to pharmacists obtaining DHSs education, postgraduate workplace challenges surrounding DHSs, and pharmacists’ perceived role and importance on DHSs. Low knowledge of DHSs and the limited regulations surrounding DHSs acting as a barrier to counselling were common findings supported by the eligible articles. Conclusions A lack of pharmacists’ knowledge and awareness of DHSs stems from a variety of factors including a lack of education and training in the field, limited regulations surrounding DHSs, and inadequate availability of DHS information resources in the pharmacy. Pharmacists were unable to confidently counsel patients due to these aforementioned factors in addition to reporting that they lacked time. Further research that reviews pharmacy education and workplace training, and improving DHS regulations are warranted future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Y Ng
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Umair Tahir
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Simran Dhaliwal
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
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Cernasev A, Gomaa B, Hager K, Schommer JC, Brown LM. Use of National Consumer Survey Data to Explore Perceptions of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Innov Pharm 2020; 11. [PMID: 34007606 PMCID: PMC8051915 DOI: 10.24926/iip.v11i2.2263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been the standard of therapy in Asia for centuries, it started receiving more attention in the U.S. in the last three decades. Objectives: The primary study objective was to explore individuals' perspectives of CAM. A secondary objective was to describe individuals' perceptions of pharmacists’ roles in facilitating their use of these services and products. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2015 and 2016 National Consumer Surveys on the Medication Experience and Pharmacist Roles. Data were collected from adults residing in the United States via on-line, self-administered surveys coordinated by Qualtrics Panels between April 28 and June 22, 2015 (n = 26,173) and between March 14 and 30, 2016 (n = 10,500). This study focused on written comments made in the surveys with Content Conventional Analysis applied to the text. Four researchers were trained to conduct coding to assess inter-judge reliability. The four judges had a high level of agreement which was greater than 0.95 for category type. Results: Out of a total of 36,673 respondents, 80% (29,426) submitted written comments at the end of the survey. Of these, 2,178 comments were about medications or health and 170 (8%) comments specifically about CAM, of which 136 (6%) were usable for analysis. Conventional Content Analysis revealed five themes:1)The role of pharmaceutical and insurance companies in CAM; 2) Overuse of medications; 3)Physicians can play a role in creating a balance between prescription use and CAM; 4) Individuals believe that CAM is more effective than Western medicines and prefer it; 5) Individuals want pharmacists to have a better understanding of CAM. Theresults of this study reveal individuals’ opinions regarding how they want CAM to be considered in their interactions with their healthcare team. Conclusion: Emergent themes suggest that individuals are interested in receiving more professionals’ healthcare to become more knowledgeable about CAM.
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Nathan JP, Kudadjie-Gyamfi E, Halberstam L, Wright JT. Consumers' Information-Seeking Behaviors on Dietary Supplements. INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION 2019; 40:171-176. [PMID: 31514581 DOI: 10.1177/0272684x19874967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Consumers are advised to seek information about dietary supplements (DS) before using them; little is known concerning whether this recommendation is heeded. Objective The objectives of this pilot study were to investigate whether users of DS seek information about these products before using them and particularly whether such information is sought from health-care professionals (HCPs). Methods Surveys administered face-to-face to adult consumers at three venues in New York City. Results Between November 2017 and October 2018, 199 consumers were surveyed. Of the 139 (70%) DS users, 104 (75%) used at least one DS that was not prescribed/recommended by an HCP. Of those, 88 (85%) reported seeking information about DS before using them and two (2%) noted that for some they do and for some they do not. The source of information most frequently used was the Internet (76; 84%). Pharmacists, dietitians/nutritionists, and medical doctors were reported to be a source of information by seven (8%), six (7%), and five (6%) of the respondents, respectively. DS were most commonly purchased at a pharmacy (76; 54%). Of the 199 participants, 111 (56%) perceived DS to be “very safe” or “safe,” while 20 (10%) reported that DS were “unsafe” or “very unsafe”; 60 (30%) participants were “neutral.” Conclusion Although most DS users sought information prior to using them, the majority did so by using the Internet and only a few consulted with an HCP. HCPs should be proactive in educating consumers about the importance of consulting with them prior to using these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Nathan
- International Drug Information Center, CVS Health, Queens, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Josephine T Wright
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, IL, USA
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Risvoll H, Musial F, Halvorsen KH, Giverhaug T, Waaseth M. Pharmacy employees' involvement in safeguarding persons with dementia who use dietary supplements: Results from a survey of Norwegian pharmacies. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 19:179. [PMID: 31324241 PMCID: PMC6642513 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Community-dwelling persons with dementia commonly use dietary supplements (DS), often without receiving help with the administration. Patient safety is a concern, as DS-drug interactions and adverse events are potential complications. Since many persons with dementia buy their DS in pharmacies, we investigated Norwegian pharmacy employees’ attitudes and professional practice behaviors related to DS. Methods We conducted a survey in eight Norwegian municipalities of pharmacy employees involved in the sale of DS. The questionnaire covered demographics and investigated attitudes toward DS, professional practice behaviors related to the sale of DS, experiences with customers with dementia, and perceived and attributed responsibilities with regard to patient safety. Results One hundred and five employees responded (response rate: 52%). Most employees regarded general practitioners (GPs) as primarily responsible for safeguarding the use of DS by persons with dementia and rated themselves less responsible. Thirty-seven percent of the employees reported personal use of DS (past or current use). Nine percent considered some of the DS to have symptomatic or prophylactic effects against dementia. Forty-eight percent confirmed that they informed customers about potential adverse events; 42% indicated that they did this sometimes. Sixteen percent checked regularly for DS-drug interactions, and two-thirds checked depending on the customers’ health, the type of drug or the type of DS. One-quarter regularly asked about the co-use of prescription drugs (PD) when selling DS, while only 2% asked about the co-use of DS when dispensing PD. Only 25% reported access to independent scientific information on all or most DS sold in their pharmacy. Eight percent had experienced unsafe use of DS by persons with dementia. Six percent had been taught about counselling persons with dementia. Education level influenced professional practice behavior to some extent. Conclusion Pharmacy employees do not see themselves as primarily responsible for the safe use of DS by persons with dementia. Moreover, they have limited experience with the unsafe use of DS by these persons. There is potential for improvement regarding tools and educational interventions for pharmacy employees to provide sufficient help to persons with dementia who use DS. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2587-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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McKennon SA, Schauerhamer MB, Fudin HR, Babin JL, Shane-McWhorter L. Assessing pharmacy student confidence to answer patient questions regarding herbal medicines and natural product drugs. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2018; 10:643-650. [PMID: 29986825 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To assess the change in confidence answering questions about herbal medicines and natural product drugs (HMNPD) in third year professional pharmacy students in an HMNPD course. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING A questionnaire was developed to query confidence in responding to patient questions, recommending specific products, and ability to retrieve resources regarding HMNPD. It was administered the first and last week of the semester; responses were evaluated using a Chi-squared test. FINDINGS At baseline, 46 students (84%) were "very hesitant", "hesitant", or "neither hesitant nor confident" in responding to HMNPD questions; after the course, most students were "confident" or "very confident" (n=30, 54%) (p < .001). Confidence in finding reliable resources increased from the first week (29 students [40%] were "confident" or "very confident") to the last week (51 students [91%] were "confident" or "very confident" [p < .001]). At baseline, five students (9%) were "confident" or "very confident" in ability to recommend a specific product; after the course, 26 students (46%) were "confident" or "very confident" (p < .001). Nine students (16%) felt "very confident" or "confident" in HMNPD safety/effectiveness at baseline; the same proportion felt this way at conclusion (p = .93). Four students (7%) were confident in HMNPD efficacy at baseline and nine (16%) felt the same way at the end (p = .12). DISCUSSION Significant increases in student confidence answering patient questions, responding to disease-specific queries, and using appropriate resources were found. There was no difference in confidence in HMNPD safety/efficacy. SUMMARY This study supported continued HMNPD education in the pharmacy program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye A McKennon
- University of Utah Department of Wellness and Integrative Health, LS Skaggs Patient Wellness Center, 530 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States.
| | - Marisa B Schauerhamer
- University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacotherapy, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States.
| | - Hannah R Fudin
- University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacotherapy, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States.
| | - Jennifer L Babin
- University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacotherapy, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States.
| | - Laura Shane-McWhorter
- University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacotherapy, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States.
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Axon DR, Vanova J, Edel C, Slack M. Dietary Supplement Use, Knowledge, and Perceptions Among Student Pharmacists. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2017; 81:92. [PMID: 28720920 PMCID: PMC5508091 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe81592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective. To compare dietary supplement use between student pharmacists and the general population, and assess knowledge, attitudes toward use, and dietary supplement effectiveness; and to explore how student pharmacists view their education on dietary supplements. Methods. Paper questionnaires administered to student pharmacists collected data about their use, knowledge, and attitudes of dietary supplements. Use was compared to the 2007 National Health Interview survey findings. Results. Of 179 students who responded, 52% had used at least one dietary supplement in their lifetime versus 25% in the general population. Students perceived supplement label information as unhelpful, research into supplements inadequate, and supplements non-essential to health. Students thought supplement knowledge was important but their education was inadequate. Conclusion. Dietary supplement use was higher in this sample of student pharmacists than the general population. Student pharmacists had limited knowledge and need more education on dietary supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Axon
- University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Janka Vanova
- University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Courtney Edel
- University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Marion Slack
- University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, Tucson, Arizona
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Mason RP, Sherratt SC. Omega-3 fatty acid fish oil dietary supplements contain saturated fats and oxidized lipids that may interfere with their intended biological benefits. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 483:425-429. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.12.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Gabay M, Smith JA, Chavez ML, Goldwire M, Walker S, Coon SA, Gosser R, Hume AL, Musselman M, Phillips J, Abe AM. White Paper on Natural Products. Pharmacotherapy 2016; 37:e1-e15. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.1874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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