A survey of Turkish hospital patients' use of herbal medicine

IntroductionHerbal medicines (HMs) are generally considered safe due to their natural origin and long standing use. Although the use of HMs is common in Turkey, no detailed studies concerning the use or knowledge-attitudes towards HMs have been performed. This study aimed to describe the prevalence, types, reasons, attitudes and possible adverse effects related with HM use in population of Turkish hospital patients.MethodsPatients over 18 years of age were included in the study. Information was collected from a questionnaire completed by both out- and in-patients admitted to the Meram Faculty of Medicine Hospital in Konya between October 1st and December 31st 2012. Questions included herb use, reasons, attitudes and adverse effects.ResultsData from 927 questionnaires, conducted by face to face interviews identified that 48.8% of the study population used HM. Women, government officials (p < 0.001), higher education level (p < 0.05) and a higher family income (p < 0.001) were more likely to use HMs. The most frequently used herbal medicines were Camellia sinensis (14.2%), Rosmarinus officinalis (10.2%) and Zingiber officinale (9.1%).ConclusionIncreased patient awareness about safe HM use is important considering that most HM users are being informed by friends or the media. Depending on the quality of the product, or in the case of being taken in conjunction with other medicines, traditional medicines can cause harmful adverse reactions. HMs have become a part of traditional medicine and healthcare providers need to be aware of how they are used by patients and ensure that health care policies exist to improve their safety and efficacy.