Prevalence Of Herbal Products Use And Perceptions On Drug-Herb Interactions Among University Students In Kiang Valley Malaysia- A Cross Sectional Study

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and preference of herbal products usage and to determine the perceptions of herbal products together with the awareness towards the drug-herb interactions among university students in Klang Valley Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by using a self-administered survey questionnaire distributed to students of four universities in Klang Valley Malaysia. A total number of 231 responses were collected between December 2018 and March 2019. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the demographic factors associated with the use and perceptions of herbal products and awareness of drug-herb interactions. Results: Ethnicity and religions were two factors associated with the use/perceptions of herbal products in the current study. The general awareness and knowledge about drug-herb interactions were low and inadequate among the participants. Furthermore, with regard to awareness on drug-herb interactions, the course/ program that students enrolled was found to be the sole factor linked. Conclusion: The cultural beliefs and family traditional cultures played critical roles among Malaysia university students on the use of herbal products. The healthcare stakeholders are suggested to design and to deliver professionally structured education to increase the consumers' knowledge and even customer service leading to an efficient and safe use of herbal products.