ECZACILARIN NUTRASÖTİKLERLE İLGİLİ BİLGİ VE DAVRANIŞLARININ İNCELENMESİ

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: The increasing use of nutraceuticals has heightened the importance of pharmacist counseling regarding their safe and rational use. Therefore, assessing pharmacists’ knowledge and professional approaches is essential for improving the quality of counseling services. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels, risk perceptions, clinical counseling practices, and professional training needs of pharmacists working in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, academia, and industry.

Methods: This descriptive field study included 68 pharmacists recruited through convenience sampling between May and August 2026. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire consisting of 44 questions addressing demographic characteristics, knowledge adequacy, risk perceptions, attitudes, and clinical practices. Descriptive statistical methods, including frequencies (n) and percentages (%), were used for data analysis.

Results: Of the participants, 70.6% were female, 61.8% were community pharmacists, and 26.5% were hospital pharmacists. Among the pharmacists, 97.0% were aware that nutraceuticals may interact with prescription medications, 80.9% recognized that the assumption that “natural products are harmless” is incorrect, and 92.6% were aware that inappropriate dosing may cause toxicity. While 73.5% considered their general knowledge and professional competence regarding nutraceuticals adequate, the perceived adequacy of counseling for special populations, such as pregnant women and pediatric and geriatric patients, was 61.8%. Furthermore, 76.1% reported reviewing patients’ medical histories before making recommendations, while 55.2% prioritized product content and standardization when selecting nutraceuticals. In addition, 66.2% considered nutraceutical regulation and supervision in Türkiye inadequate, 86.6% expressed willingness to participate in continuing professional education, and 97.1% considered the development of official guidelines for nutraceutical use necessary.

Conclusion: Pharmacists demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding the pharmacological risks of nutraceuticals and potential drug–nutraceutical interactions. However, important needs remain regarding clinical counseling for special patient populations and regulatory frameworks. Updating undergraduate pharmacy curricula, expanding continuing professional education programs, and developing evidence-based official clinical guidelines are critical for promoting the safe use of nutraceuticals and protecting public health.