Assessment of Consumer Perceptions in Ankara (Turkey) Toward Herbal Medicinal Products: A Survey Analysis in the Etimesgut District

Abstract

Objective: In the current study, we analyzed a survey on herbal medicinal product (HMP) use among 250 Turkish participants to provide an insight into how consumers have been considering and using non-prescription herbal medicines. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 250 consumers (56% males and 44% females) who had visited pharmacies in 2011 in Etimesgut (Ankara) was conducted. The findings were comparatively interpreted through statistical analysis using independent variables, including gender, age, educational status, profession, monthly income, and habitation with the participant answers. Results: The results indicated that the participants trusted a physician's recommendation to use HMPs. However, only 8.8% of the participants have found the pharmacists to be sufficient in directing toward HMP use. Besides, they have preferred traditional herbalists and the pharmacies at an equal rate for purchasing herbal medicines. Conclusion: This is the first survey study performed by a pharmacy faculty in Turkey aiming to determine the aptitude of people toward HMPs. The necessity to consult the role of pharmacists in the rational use of HMPs has been highlighted through the survey results.