Attitudes and Perceptions among Dublin International Foundation College Students towards Taking Conventional Medications and Herbal Medicines

Abdullah T Eissa

doi:10.5195/ijms.2015.132

Abstract

Background: The use of both conventional medications and herbal medicines has increased recently. Consequently, the chance of misusing medications has also increased, leading to unwanted complications and economic burdens. This study examined the attitudes and perceptions of international students at Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) towards conventional medication and herbal medicine. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative method was used to collect information from international students at DIFC. A total of 85 questionnaires were distributed to the students, and 54 completed questionnaires were received from them. Chi-square test was used to examine the possible relationships between students’ background, gender and region of origin and their attitudes and perceptions toward using conventional medications and herbal medicines. Results: Participants from different regions of origin showed significant differences in the responses to questions about informing their healthcare providers about their drug allergies. While most students did not usually mix herbal medicines with either conventional medications or other types of herbs, students aged between 21 and 25 were more likely to combine different types of medications compared to students from other age groups. No significant differences were observed in relation to students' educational backgrounds and gender. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the need of educating students from different regions and backgrounds about the use of conventional medications and herbal medicines. Information regarding the proper use of medications and the dangers of drug interactions should be included in the curricula of formal education and disseminated to the public using culturally sensitive strategies.

Highlights

The use of conventional medications has been rising over the last few decades
Responses to question number and question number were significantly different among students from different age groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively)
The proper use of conventional medication is well-defined because there are many important guidelines and regulations to direct patients on how to administer their medications, including guidelines on the reasonable use of medication.[5]

Summary

Introduction

The use of conventional medications has been rising over the last few decades. In the United States, nearly half of Americans used at least one prescription medication in the past month.[1]. The misuse of conventional medications can have a negative impact on the economic system, leading to increased health care costs.[1]. The use of herbal medicine has increased significantly over the last 10 years.[2] This may be due to consumers’ belief that herbal medications have fewer side effects, are cheaper and more effective than conventional medications.[3,4]. This study examined the attitudes and perceptions of international students at Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) towards conventional medication and herbal medicine. Chi-square test was used to examine the possible relationships between students’ background, gender and region of origin and their attitudes and perceptions toward using conventional medications and herbal medicines. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the need of educating students from different regions and backgrounds about the use of conventional medications and herbal medicines. Information regarding the proper use of medications and the dangers of drug interactions should be included in the curricula of formal education and disseminated to the public using culturally sensitive strategies

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion