Objective:
The purpose of the study was to assess pharmacists’ current practice,
perception and knowledge towards the use of herbal products in
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study assessed the
need for incorporating herbal medicine as a separate topic in
under- graduate pharmacy student curricula.
Methods: The study was done on 600 pharmacists employed in Abu
Dhabi, who were contacted electronically, out of which 271 had
completed the survey. The data was collected using a structured
questionnaire.
Results: Pharmacists’ use of herbal products is high in the UAE,
as they have a high belief on the effectiveness of herbal products,
and only age was found to be the most predominant variable that
was influencing pharmacists’ personal use of herbal products (p-value=0.0171).
Pharmacists were more knowledgeable on the uses/indications of
herbal products (47%) rather than on other areas. Knowledge of
the dispensing mode (prescription only or over the counter medicines)
mandated by the Ministry of Health was quite good, however, it
is to be noted that the source of information on the dispensing
mode was provided by medical representatives (48%). Knowledge
of dispensing mode of herbal products was found to be significantly
influenced by the place of work with more knowledge of the dispensing
mode by pharmacists working in the private sector (p-value 0.0007).
The results from the study also underscores the need for including
herbal medicine as a separate topic in pharmacy college curriculum
and to provide for more seminars and continuing pharmacy education
programs targeting pharmacists in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Conclusions: Pharmacists need to be informed on indications, drug
interactions, adverse events and precautions of herbal products.
Concerned bodies must also provide them with regular continuing
education programs apart from putting their efforts to incorporate
relevant topics on herbal medicine in the pharmacy students’ curriculum.
