Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and
attitudes among pharmacists in Kuwait towards the use of herbs.
Methods: Self-administered questionnaire was designed as the study
instrument and distributed among 100 qualified pharmacists working
in government and private pharmacies in Kuwait.
Results: The mean age was 34.2 (SD=7.5) years. About 51% of pharmacists
reported they had used herbal therapy in their lifetime. The majority
were interested in herbal information, and their herbal information
came mainly from their previous classes during college. Although
the pharmacists’ knowledge about uses of selected herbs was good,
their awareness about side effects of those herbs was modest.
About 31% of the pharmacists did not have enough information about
potential interactions between herbs and conventional medicines.
Conclusion: Herbal information is needed for pharmacy students
as part of the Pharmacy College curriculum. Continuing education
programs for practising pharmacists about the safety of different
herbal products should be established in Kuwait.
Keywords:
Herbal Medicine.
Pharmacy Continuing Education. Pharmacy Graduate Education. Attitude
of Health Personnel. Kuwait.
