Comparison of Patient Knowledge and Perspectives on Herbal Therapies Before and After Pharmacist-Led Education

Authors

  • Abigail R. Birky
  • Nancy Williams
  • Lisa Appeddu

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this study were (1) to characterize community pharmacy patients' baseline knowledge about, perspectives on, and use of herbal medications; (2) to examine to what degree patient demographics correlate with baseline responses; and (3) to assess if pharmacist-led education about herbal medicines changed patient behaviors and perspectives.

Methods: In this pre/post-survey study design, a 28-question pre-education survey was used to assess perceptions, use, and knowledge of select herbal medications. A convenience sample of English-speaking/reading patients 18 years of age or older who were visiting one of five large-chain retail pharmacies in the Oklahoma City metro area were recruited to participate in the study. Following completion of the initial survey, an educational session in the form of a popular trivia game show was provided. Education covered fifteen commonly used herbal medications and regulation and labeling requirements for herbal supplements. After game completion, a 9-question post-survey was provided to the participants to assess the impact education had on their perspectives or future use of herbal medications.

Results: The study found that 57% of participants had used herbal products, but less than half reported those to a prescriber. Patients who were over the age of 35 or made more than $45,000 a year were more likely to use herbal products ( p = 0.048 and 0.056, respectively), and those with a college degree or higher level of education were more likely to report herbal use to a provider (p = 0.038). After the education and game, participants were more likely to agree that reporting herbal use is important after education by a pharmacist (p = 0.025).

Conclusions: This study suggests that more than half of patients have used herbal medications, and that demographic factors may influence both the use of and patients’ knowledge of these products. Patients’ self-reports of perceived importance of reporting herbal medications to a provider was increased after education was provided, indicating that pharmacists have a key role to play in this aspect of patient health.

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Published

2026-05-14

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Articles

Section

Pharmacotherapy

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