KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEFS TOWARD THE USE OF HERBAL MEDICINE AMONG IRAQI MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Herbal medicine use among medical students is common worldwide, driven by influences such as societal or cultural norms, accessibility, and interest in complementary and alternative medicine. This trend highlights the importance of medical students, as upcoming doctors, in obtaining essential insights into herbal remedies. The study aimed to assess medical students’ comprehension, attitudes, and usage patterns related to herbal medication, assess associated sociodemographic determinants, and identify reasons for using herbal medicine among students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 medical students from grades 1 to 6 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, using convenience sampling. The study took place from February 1st, 2024, to December 31st, 2024. Data was gathered through structured interviews using a four-part questionnaire. The first section covered sociodemographic information, while the second evaluated students’ knowledge of herbal medicine. The third and fourth sections assessed attitudes toward and practices regarding herbal medicine. Results: Data showed that 24.8% of students were currently using herbal medicine, and 48.8% of them used it for therapeutic reasons. The majority of participants (81.7%) and (83.4%) agreed that herbal medicine does not prevent or cure all diseases and emphasizes the importance of consulting a doctor before using it. Most of the respondents (78.5%) disagreed that herbal medicine is always safe. Conclusion: Herbal Medicine is widespread among medical students. Despite this, critical knowledge deficiencies regarding safety, efficacy, and potential drug interactions highlight the urgent need for targeted education and curriculum integration to ensure safe and informed use