European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

HERBAL PRODUCTS AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: A STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE AND USE AMONG FILIPINO ADULTS IN BARANGAY SAN ROQUE, ROSARIO, BATANGAS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Katrina C. Paradero*, Janelle Corrinne T. Abdon, Danielle Jade C. Clemente, Kim Xylee A. Jimenez, Stephanie Mae T.K. King, Jazel Rayne M. Ngo, Karmina C. Paradero and Mylene S. Andal

ABSTRACT

The absence of treatment to the current global health crisis, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has led some individuals to seek alternative remedies to prevent them from contracting the disease. This study had investigated the knowledge and use of dietary and herbal supplements of Filipino adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey questionnaire was administered to Filipino adults (n = 343) in San Roque, Batangas. The study demonstrated that the participants‟ knowledge regarding herbal and dietary supplements was at a low level (40%). About 63.56% (n = 218) of the participants stated that they had changed their supplement routine by taking the supplements more frequently to boost their immune system. The logistic analysis revealed that educational attainment did not affect the knowledge on herbal and dietary supplements. Conversely, belonging in age groups 51–60 years old (p = 0.0034), >60 years old (p = 0.0465), and being male (p = 0.0122), affects knowledge, manifesting a lower likelihood of having good knowledge on herbal and dietary supplements. Majority of the population showed notable misconceptions about the safety and use of herbal and dietary supplements; hence the government and healthcare professionals are recommended to conduct a campaign to educate and raise awareness.

Keywords: Herbal and dietary supplements, COVID-19, San Roque, Batangas, Government, Healthcare professionals.