| Abstrakt: |
Objectives: Herbal Products (HP) are commonly utilized for both medicinal and preventative purposes, however, there is a rising concern about their efficacy and safety in contemporary medical practice. The study aims to determine the perception and practice regarding HP among community pharmacists in Eastern Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted in the Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts of Eastern Nepal. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess pharmacists' perceptions and practices regarding herbal remedies. Results: Pharmacy personnel from 246 community pharmacies participated in the study, in which the majority were male (78.9%), and had more than 3 years of experience (57.7%). 47.2% of respondents had shown a positive perception towards HP, whereas only 25.6% of respondents demonstrated good practices regarding herbal items at their pharmacy. Cough preparations (45.9%) and general health tonics (26.4%) were the most sold HP. Most participants (69.5%) believed HP is safe and effective, with 76% recommending the need for proper regulation. A significant number (84.1%) reinforced incorporating HP subjects in the pharmacy curriculum. In terms of practice, over half (51.2%) of pharmacy personnel sometimes dispensed HP, with 87.4% advising consumers on their use. A pharmacist perception was associated with pharmacy practice experience (p=0.020), and practice was linked with age, with better practices seen in those with age =30 years (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study concludes that most community pharmacy personnel had poor perception and infrequent practice of herbal products in their pharmacy. The study recommends strict quality control, education, and regulation of herbal products to safely and effectively integrate HP in community pharmacy settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
