Public knowledge and attitude towards drug-food interactions: implications for improved public health safety

Drug-Food Interaction (DFI) can potentially lead to treatment ineffectiveness and adverse health outcomes. This study investigated knowledge and attitude towards DFI and the associated factors. A validated questionnaire was distributed to 2040 participants across Jordan. The participants had moderate knowledge and attitudes regarding DFIs. Regression results revealed that male gender, lower education level, not working in the healthcare sector, and utilizing non-scientific sources of information about DFIs were associated with lower knowledge about DFI. Furthermore, male gender, being unmarried, having a low or moderate education level, not working in the healthcare sector, not having a family member with chronic disease, and having low knowledge of DFI were significantly associated with negative attitudes towards DFIs. Future health education programs should emphasize using reliable scientific sources to enhance awareness about DFIs'. Additionally, healthcare professionals should counsel patients on avoiding DFIs and provide guidance accordingly.

Automated summary

This study investigated knowledge and attitude towards Drug-Food Interaction (DFI) and found that the participants had moderate knowledge and attitudes about DFI. Factors such as male gender, lower education level, not working in the healthcare sector, and utilizing non-scientific sources of information were associated with lower knowledge about DFI. Health education programs should focus on using reliable scientific sources to enhance awareness about DFIs. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should counsel patients on avoiding DFIs and provide appropriate guidance.