@article {231, title = {Public Knowledge of Herbal Medicine for Respiratory Viral Infection in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {PTB Reports}, volume = {8}, year = {2022}, month = {December 2022}, pages = {123-128}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {123}, abstract = {

Aim: This survey analysis investigated indevisuals{\textquoteright} knowledge of herbal medications to treat common respiratory viral infections. Methods: A self-administered, structured questionnaire was sent to the public online, including questions on the responders{\textquoteright} demographics and questions about different herbal medications and their use to treat viral respiratory infections. Data analysis was executed through the survey SPSS program. Results: Four hundred eighty-six individuals responded to this questionnaire; 89.92\% of the responders were from the west area, and 56.49\% were in the age group between 18 and 30. The most herbal medications used for respiratory viral infections was honey 364 (78.79\%), and lemon juice 327 (71.24\%), followed by Ginger 288 (64.43\%) and Mint 292 (64.04\%\%) While the least herbal medicine used was Sambucus nigra 26 (6.09\%) and Licorice 26 (6.68\%). The most herbal medicine not known among responders was Sambucus nigra 147 (34.43\%), Sugarcane 136 (31.48\%), and Radish 135 (31.47\%\%). Herbal medicines usages were significantly higher among males, except for cloves and miswak; their use was significantly higher among females. Retired individuals (p value\<0.001), high income (p-value\<0.001), non-healthcare professionals (p-value=0.003), age group between 51 to 60 years old (p-value\<0.001), married individuals (p-value\<0.001) all had higher knowledge level about herbal medications use in viral respiratory infections. The survey{\textquoteright}s reliability was tested by Mac 0.96, Cronbach 0.958, Gultman 2 0.961, and Gultman 6 0.973. Conclusion: The level of knowledge about herbal medicine use among individuals in Saudi Arabia is inadequate. Awareness of the general public about herbal medications should be improved.

}, keywords = {Herbal medications, Knowledge, Respiratory infections, Saudi Arabia, Viral}, doi = {10.5530/PTB.2022.8.16}, author = {Ghudair Tashan Alanazi and Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Murouj Almaghrabi and Ghadeer Alhazmi and Menwer Tashan Zaid Alanazi and Mohammad Almatrafi and Ghaida Alzahrani} }