A Cross-Sectional Study of Community Attitude towards Herbal Products against Hepatobiliary Diseases in Northern Cyprus

Abstract

Aim: The study in Northern Cyprus aimed to improve patient-centered care and healthcare practices by examining community perceptions of Herbal Products (HPs) for liver and biliary diseases. Materials and Methods: The self-administered questionnaire utilized in this cross-sectional study, which was carried out in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus from October 2021 to July 2022, allowed 446 participants to provide information on their sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward HPs. Results: It was observed that liver diseases are common in Northern Cyprus, with 48.2% suffering from some form. HP use was determined at 47.8%. Pharmacies were the most commonly sought-after sources of information at all education levels, followed by physicians. Camellia sinensis was the most commonly consumed plant, followed by Cynara scolymus, Curcuma longa, Taraxacum officinale and Glycyrrhiza glabra. On the other hand, Silybum marianum was unpreferred. Conclusion: The knowledge of both the healthcare profession (physicians, pharmacists, etc.) and the community in Northern Cyprus need to be improved on the HPs, however, there exists the need for more studies, and instruction on HPs with particular emphasis on safety.