Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices of Community Pharmacists on the Use of Phytopharmaceuticals in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

The global increase in the use of phytopharmaceutical products (herbal medicinal formulations) partly arises from the misconception that „natural‟ means “safe or risk-free”. To provide optimal pharmaceutical care, pharmacists need to be knowledgeable on the activities, safety and rational use of phytopharmaceutical products. This study is an Assessment of the knowledge, perceptions and practices of community pharmacists on the use of phytopharmaceutical products in Jos, Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria. Data on pharmacists‟ demographics, opinion, knowledge of indications, side effects, interactions, contra-indications, regulations of phytopharmaceutical products and other professional practices were collected using self-administered questionnaires in December, 2013. Descriptive statistics was used to measure findings and main features of the study using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 in March, 2014. Majority of respondents were without any form of post-graduate training on phytopharmaceutical products. Most community pharmacists sold phytopharmaceutical products and indicated that clients always sought information on the products. There was complete lack of knowledge of interactions and contra-indications and a very minimal knowledge of side effects but a substantial knowledge of the indications of phytopharmaceutical products from the pharmacists. It was therefore established that pharmacists had limited knowledge on phytopharmaceutical products but were willing to acquire additional training. Regulatorybodies and educational institutions should organize continuing education programmes to update the knowledge of pharmacists in this area.