Abstract

PERCEPTION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS AND PHARMACY TECHNICIANS IN SANA`A- YEMEN ABOUT RISKS OF USE OF HERBAL PRODUCTS DURING PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Anes A. M. Thabit*, Wedad M. Abdulmajeed, Nabil Albaser and Ahmed M. S. ALGhani

Abstract

Similar to chemically synthesized drugs, herbal medicines can be potentially harmful if not used correctly. Unfortunately, the public as well as healthcare professionals are often misled to believe that all natural treatments are inherently safe. The objective of this study was to assess the perception and knowledge of community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Sana'a-Yemen about the risks of herbal products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A questionnaire composed of 246 questions regarding the risks of a sample of 82 herbal medications available in the drug market was distributed to 93 community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The results showed that 65% of the participants had an overall incorrect perception about risks of herbal medications. This finding was close to that reported in India and Emirates.

Keywords: Herbal, Risks, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Community pharmacists, Yemen.