Perceptions toward the use of over‐the‐counter dietary supplements during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A cross sectional study of the general public in Jordan

Abstract

Background and Aims: Over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplements gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as a preventive measure. Lack of complete understanding among the general population of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the severity and progression of infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has further encouraged the use of supplements. The present study aimed to assess the perceptions of the general public toward the efficacy and safety of the use of OTC dietary supplements as immune enhancers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The factors impacting these perceptions were also explored. Methods:This was an online survey-based, cross-sectional study conducted in Jordan over 4 months. A validated survey which comprised 28 questions covering aspects related to the respondents' demographic characteristics, their perceptions toward the efficacy of OTC dietary supplements and their awareness regarding the safety of popular OTC supplements and healthy dietary habits was used to collect responses. Associations between patient characteristics with perception and awareness were explored.Results: A total of 1487 responses were included in the analysis. Ascorbic acid, zinc, and vitamin D were the most popular OTC supplements, as indicated by the percentages of users (48.8%, 38.6%, and 34.6%, respectively). Perceptions toward OTC supplement use were suboptimal, with a reported mean perception score of 27.82 ± 8.56 (range 0-45). The multivariate analysis showed that participants who were of older age (>65 years) (AOR = 6.29, 95% CI = 2.2-17.9), had an income level >1500 (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.80-3.56), and used chronic medications had better perceptions than did younger participants, those with no income, and non-users of chronic medications, respectively. The mean safety awareness score was 5.36 ± 1.58 (maximum 7), with a significant direct relationship identified between perceptions and safety awareness scores (Spearman's correlation = 0.136, p < 0.001).

Cross-Sectional Assessment of Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge and Perception of Drug-Drug Interactions with Over the Counter Products

“…A cross-sectional survey was designed for this purpose, focusing on orally administered OTC products due to their systemic effects, especially analgesics, antipyretics, cough syrups, antacids, and antihistamines owing to their widespread use in Jordan and their interaction with commonly prescribed medications to treat chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes. [9][10][11] This study aims to assess Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy final years' students' knowledge and perception toward potential DDIs perpetrated by commonly dispensed OTC products. Another aim was to evaluate students' ability to identify prescription from non-prescription medications.…”