Prevalence of herbal products use and perceptions on drug-herb interactions among university students in Klang Valley Malaysia- a cross sectional study

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and preference of herbal productsusage and to determine the perceptions of herbal products together with the awareness towardsthe drug-herb interactions among university students in Klang Valley Malaysia. Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out by using a self-administered survey questionnairedistributed to students of four universities in Klang Valley Malaysia. A total number of 231responses were collected between December 2018 and March 2019. Statistical analysis wasperformed to evaluate the demographic factors associated with the use and perceptions of herbalproducts and awareness of drug-herb interactions. Results: Ethnicity and religions were twofactors associated with the use/perceptions of herbal products in the current study. The generalawareness and knowledge about drug-herb interactions were low and inadequate among theparticipants. 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 culturalbeliefs and family traditional cultures played critical roles among Malaysia university studentson the use of herbal products. The healthcare stakeholders are suggested to design and to deliverprofessionally structured education to increase the consumers’ knowledge and even customerservice leading to an efficient and safe use of herbal products. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(2) 2021 p.361-367