Evaluation of the attitude and level of knowledge towards the use of herbal foods and dietary supplements in the COVID-19 pandemic

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the use of herbal foods/dietary supplements in COVID-19 and beliefs about these products, as well as to examine the effect of nutrition education on herbal foods/dietary supplements use in COVID-19 on the beliefs and knowledge levels of health professionals and non-health professionals. A total of 1767 people completed the first phase, and 106 health professionals and 110 non-health professionals completed the second phase. This study was conducted with an online survey of 43 questions in the first phase of the research, and through an online video communication application as an educational intervention in the second phase in two sessions for health professionals and non-health professionals between June and December 2021. The outcomes of the intervention were evaluated with pre tests-post tests prepared separately for each group. Out of the individuals, 1372 had not previously contracted COVID-19, while 395 had. 35.3% of the participants used herbal foods/dietary supplements for the treatment of COVID-19, and 67.1% for protection against COVID-19. Most respondents believed that certain herbal foods/dietary supplements have an impact on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Individuals who did not infected with COVID-19 (68.9%) believed that vitamin D is more protective against COVID-19 than individuals (64.6%) who infected with COVID-19 (p=0.018). The total knowledge scores about dietary supplements/herbal foods of health professionals (3.85 ± 1.60 to 5.51 ± 1.45) and non-health professionals (8.34 ± 1.46 to 9.37 ± 0.88) increased significantly after the education (p<0.001). Most health professionals and non-health professionals believed that dietary supplements/herbal foods are effective in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, but these beliefs were significantly reduced after the educational intervention (p<0.05). As a result, it is important to raise awareness of individuals about the use of herbal foods/dietary supplements in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and to avoid unnecessary use of these products before their efficacy is proven. Educational intervention is effective in informing both health professionals and non-health professionals.