RESUMO
Aims and objectives: This survey aimed at assessing the perceptions of physicians regarding the appropriateness of prescribing herbal medicines [HM], their prescribing patterns and their knowledge regarding the interaction between HM and conventional drugs
Background: No data are currently available in Lebanon concerning the frequency of HM prescription and indications. HM poorly prescribed can affect the overall quality of health among patients taking conventional drugs
Methods: This descriptive survey study was con- ducted in the Greater Beirut area in Lebanon during May-June 2009. All Primary Health Care [PHC] physicians in private community-based solo practice were identified from the Lebanese Order of Physicians listing, contacted and invited to participate. Those who agreed had to complete a pre-piloted face-to-face questionnaire
Results: Of two hundred twelve participating physicians, 45% routinely prescribed HM to their patients. Between 64 to 67% prescribers believed that HM have more benefits, faster results and fewer side effects than conventional drugs. In addition, 58% thought that HM were less expensive, and 76% that they were easier to take than conventional drugs. More importantly, in a series of eight questions concerning the physicians' knowledge about the possible mechanism of drug-herb interactions, the general tendency was towards poor knowledge
Conclusions: A good percentage of PHC physicians who routinely prescribe HM do not know their mechanism of action or their possible interactions with the conventional drugs. Knowledge about mechanism of drug-herb interactions should be an integral part of the medical curriculum
Relevance to Clinical Practice: The knowledge about HM should be an integral part of the medical curriculum as they are frequently prescribed by PHC physicians