HERBAL DRUGS: STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES ABOUT THEIR SIDE EFFECTS, SOURCE OF ADVICE AND CONDITIONS FOR PREFERENCE AMONG EDUCATED CLASS.
Dr. Md Faiz Akram*, Dr. Mohd Tariq Salman, Dr. Afzal Khan, Dr. Divya G Krishnan, Dr. Nihal Ahmad
ABSTRACT
Background: Herbal medicines are increasingly popular among both developing and developed countries across the world. Knowledge and attitude has an important bearing on utilization. In India there are well established systems based on herbal medicines. So it is important to know the knowledge attitude and practice of people about herbal medicine. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study among educated people using a pre-designed validated questionnaire in English language. Data were collected based on socio-demographic variables, as well as knowledge, attitude and practice of herbal Medicine. We Analyzed for frequencies and comparison in groups with respect to level of education and their field of educational background. Gender based Analysis was also done. Results: The Results show good percentage (55%) had used Herbal Medicines in last one year and was having a very positive attitude on safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines. Across all education level and field there was perception about Herbal drugs being free from side effect (75%). Among other findings the most notable was wide prevalence of Self medication (50%) and perception that herbal medicine has no adverse effect. Conclusion: There are many points of attention in Knowledge attitude and practice of Herbal medicine in India and a need of mass awareness based on scientific evidence. This can be done by involving all stakeholders including the practitioners of Herbal medicine, herbal pharmacy regulatory authorities and self help groups.
Keywords: CAM, Self Medication, Preference for Herbal Drugs.
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