Evaluation Of Perceptions And Knowledge Towards The Use Of Non-Clinically Proven Health Supplements Among The Community Pharmacists And Consumers In The State Of Penang, Malaysia
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Date
2015-12
Authors
Teh, Hoay Chin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Health supplements (HS) play an important role in the healthcare system as its use had become a growing part of health care behaviour. However, there are limited studies in addressing attitude towards the use of HS in Malaysia. The aims of this study are (i) to evaluate the community pharmacists (CP) perceptions, knowledge and their practices in the area of HS dispensing; (ii) to identify the prevalence and attitudes on HS used among consumers in various socio-demographic groups. Mixed method using qualitative (Phase I) and quantitative (Phase II) approach is adopted in this study. Phase I involved face to face semi-structured interviews with twelve CP and consumers in Penang state, Malaysia. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis approach. Three themes were identified from CP (perception, knowledge and practice) and two themes were from consumers (perceptions and knowledge). Result from phase I study observed that both CP and consumers demonstrated positive view with regards to the use of HS. However, uncertainties in term of efficacy and health claims of HS exist among CP. Whereby; close contacts became an important source of HS among consumers. Phase II involved a mail survey for CP (n=121) in four Northern state of Peninsular Malaysia and self-administered questionnaire survey for consumers (n=440) in Penang state, Malaysia. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences® (SPSS) version 22.0. Result from phase II revealed that both groups illustrated positive attitude (CP=91%; consumers=71%) towards the use of HS for general health improvement. However, similar to phase I result, weak agreement was identified in term of side effects (CP=41%; consumer=46%) and current health claims label of HS (CP=46%; consumer=48%) among both groups. In fact, CP and consumers review the efficacy of HS based on customer’s feedback (71%) and other user’s experience (75%). As a conclusion, phase II result has confirmed the result of phase I. Therefore, education enhancement among CP and consumers intervention program is needed in ensuring the quality use of HS. In line with this, recommendations have been made for the stakeholders at academia level, policy makers, CP and consumers in the development of policy and guidelines in quality use of HS.
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Keywords
Health supplements