The perception of Jordanian population towards concomitant administration of food, beverages and herbs with drugs and their possible interactions: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Background Many people are used to administering their drugs with food, beverages or herbs. These substances may contain chemicals that interfere with the prescribed drugs and could potentially lead to changes in their efficacy or safety, and could result in alterations in their pharmacokinetic properties. Objective To assess the extent of the perception and consumption of food, beverages and herbs alongside conventional drugs, along with their potential interactions, specifically in Jordanian society. Methods A descriptive cross‐sectional survey was conducted in Jordan (20 April ‐ 5 May 2020). The survey was developed using Google Forms, then validated and distributed via social media platforms. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences‐24. Main outcome measure Use and perception of food, beverages, herbs and how they interact with drugs among Jordanians. Results Of all the participants (n = 789), 77.8% were females, 46.2% were 50‐year‐olds, 69.7% were married, 70.8% were medically insured, and 51.1% had bachelor's degrees. 70% of the study participants reported use of medicinal plants. About 66% of participants agreed that medicinal plants or herbs could treat diseases and 58.6% thought that medications could interact with drugs. In general, the participants’ knowledge about food/beverage/herb–drug interactions was considered poor. However, a linear regression analysis showed that the level of knowledge was significantly affected (P < .05) by gender, marital status, social status, educational level and employment sector. Conclusion Jordanians have a positive perception towards herbs and their ability to treat diseases. However, their knowledge about food/beverage–drug interactions was poor. There is therefore a need to enhance the community awareness of food/beverage/herb–drug interactions.

Herbal supplements in Jordan: a cross-sectional survey of pharmacists’ perspectives and knowledge

“…The prevalence of herbal medicine use continues to grow globally, including in the Middle East [62][63][64] and specifically among the Jordanian population. 45 65 This, combined with the prevalence of chronic diseases, 66 the concomitant use of herbal medicines and prescription medications 67 and a lack of knowledge about herb-drug interactions among Jordanians, poses a poorly understood challenge to the healthcare professionals. 44 Our study investigates customers' use and pharmacists' recommendation of herbal supplements, as well as pharmacists' knowledge, willingness to advise, awareness of safety and their views of reporting herbal-related adverse reactions in Jordan.…”

“…The prevalence of herbal medicine use continues to grow globally, including in the Middle East62–64 and specifically among the Jordanian population 45 65. This, combined with the prevalence of chronic diseases,66 the concomitant use of herbal medicines and prescription medications67 and a lack of knowledge about herb–drug interactions among Jordanians, poses a poorly understood challenge to the healthcare professionals 44…”

Awareness and knowledge of drug-food interactions among polish third-age university listeners before and after training – a questionnaire study

“…In this study, like in previous ones, most patients were aware that medicines should be sipped primarily with water. Nevertheless, some respondents declared that tea, coffee, or juice would also be appropriate (20)(21)(22). 41% of participants knew that grapefruit juice can interact with drugs.…”

“…While general awareness of drug-drug interactions exists, data on patients' awareness and knowledge of drug-food interactions are limited to several survey studies, of which two involved Polish patients (20,21), and the remaining were performed in the middle eastern countries (22,23). Only one of these studies focused exclusively on geriatric patients (21).…”

Evaluation of the Nurses' Knowledge Levels of Food-Drug Interaction and Some Other Influencing Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…3,[6][7][8] Various studies in the literature show that the knowledge levels of the society about FDI are inadequate. 7,9 According to Levy et al, approximately onefourth of hospitalized patients are at risk of FDI, which could compromise the efficacy and safety of the treatment. Moreover, 47% of the patients, who consume diet and herbal supplement products, use at least one dietary and herbal supplement product that has a potential interaction with drugs during their hospitalization.…”