Exploring the utilization of supplements, natural products, and medications among Jordanian COVID-19 patients

Pharmacy Practice

  • Alhareth Ahmad1Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.
  • Amani Alhadid2Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
  • Maysaa Binn3Department of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
  • Eman Elayeh4Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
  • Razan I. Nassar5Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.

Volume 23 Issue 2 Pages 3157-3157

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2025.2.3157

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, leading individuals to explore several treatments, including pharmaceutical medications, dietary supplements, and natural products, in order to manage their symptoms. Understanding these treatment patterns is vital for public health planning and policy development. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to May 2021, to investigate the use of supplements, natural products, and medications among Jordanian COVID-19 patients, assessing the prevalence, types, and perceived effectiveness of these interventions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Participants were recruited through social media. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed for data analysis through SPSS. Results: The study included 1,178 Jordanian individuals who had contracted COVID-19. Of the participants, 54.8% were female, and 44.9% were aged 18-25. The most commonly reported symptoms were loss of smell (63.8%), headache (63.3%), and sore muscles (59.0%). Regarding treatment, 82.4% used at least one vitamin, with vitamin C (75.8%) and zinc (59.9%) being the most used. Natural substances such as honey (36.3%) and ginger (34.6%) were also widely used among the participants. Antipyretics, especially Paracetamol (60.5%), were the most frequently used drugs. Many participants perceived these treatments as effective, with vitamin C and honey being rated as effective by 62.9% and 67.8% of users, respectively. Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of supplement and natural product use among Jordanian COVID-19 patients. These findings provide valuable insights into patient behaviors and can inform future healthcare strategies and policy formulations in similar contexts. Understanding these patterns is essential for developing effective public health guidelines and interventions during pandemics.

Keywords

  • Vitamins
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Natural Products
  • Medications
  • Jordan
  • COVID-19
Pharmacy Practice

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