Awareness of patients in the city of Belgrade about herbal products

Aleksandar Jovanović; Jelena Stefanović-Vojinović; Jelena Kukić-Marković; Silvana  Petrović; Milica Drobac; Ivana Tadić

Aleksandar Jovanović University of Niš – Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacy; University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation
Jelena Stefanović-Vojinović AU Lilly drogerie
Jelena Kukić-Marković University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy
Silvana Petrović University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy
Milica Drobac University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy
Ivana Tadić University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants has significant impact on human health (1,2). Approximately 13.000 medicinal plants are used worldwide, and in developing countries 65-80% of the population uses them for medicinal purposes. The aim of the study was to examine the awareness of patients in the city of Belgrade about herbal products. Quantitative, non-experimental research was conducted using a purpose-built questionnaire in public pharmacies during February 2020. The survey involved 954 respondents, mostly women (66.5%); 39.1% of respondents aged 20-40 years. Most of the respondents were employed (65.2%), with secondary school education (45.2%). The vast majority (97.3%) used medicinal plants/herbal products, mostly occasionally, as needed (38.4%). The main motive for their use was health improvement (75.2%), while 16.2% used them to treat diseases. The primary sources of information on medicinal plants/herbal products are pharmacists (45.1%) and the media (24.2%). About a third of the respondents (37.3%) stated that they knew the difference between herbal medicinal products and dietary supplements. 52.9% of respondents claimed that herbal medicinal products are effective, but less than synthetic drugs, while 61.5% claimed that they are safe, but with certain side effects. A third of respondents (32.9%) had difficulty understanding instructions for use and they needed additional explanations. Majority (70.6%) received advice from a pharmacist when buying a herbal product. Pharmacists are health professionals who have adequate knowledge of medicinal plants/herbal products and have a key role in advising patients in order to implement the proper use of herbal medicinal and other herbal products.

References

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