The link between knowledge and practices in relation to herbal supplement use: For a rapid transfer of knowledge in the field of phytovigilance and pharmacovigilance health care systems

Objectives: The use of health supplements (HSs) is increasing globally. It is essential to better understand health care providers' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding HS use and their associated adverse events (AEs). Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study of health care professionals in Dubai. Methods: Four hundred and twenty-seven health care professionals from hospitals, clinics (public and private) and community pharmacies completed an online questionnaire that collected demographic data and enquired about their experience with HSs. Simple descriptive statistics were used to characterise participants. Based on 10 questions, a summary score was created for the overall KAP of respondents. For each question, an affirmative response scored 1 and a negative response scored 0. A total score of 10 was therefore obtainable; logistic regression was used to identify the correlates of those scores. Key findings: The results showed that 18.3% (n = 78) of respondents had good KAP concerning HS, 38.9% (n = 166) had fair KAP and 42.9% (n = 183) had poor KAP. Scores were significantly higher among non-UAE nationals compared with UAE nationals (P = 0.001), among physicians and pharmacists compared with other health care practitioners (P = 0.000), and among practitioners with more than 6 years of experience compared to those with 6 years of experience or less (0.017). No association was found between KAP scores and age, marital status, employment status or educational level. Conclusion: Despite the popularity and widespread use of HS among the general population in Dubai, knowledge of HSs and their possible adverse effects is limited among health professionals. This was the first study to investigate this topic in the United Arab Emirates. Further policies are needed to reduce the potential for adverse events related to HS use. Additionally, educational programs are required for health care professionals to address current low levels of knowledge.