The level of knowledge and awarenss in society regarding food-drug interactions: the case of Erzurum

Food and drug interactions are considered a significant area of research at the intersection of pharmacology and nutritional sciences. These interactions can directly influence individuals' health conditions and treatment success by affecting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes. This issue is particularly prominent in individuals with chronic illnesses and those on continuous medication use. However, it has been observed that a large part of the population lacks sufficient knowledge and awareness regarding this matter. This study was conducted to assess the public's knowledge level about food-drug interactions and to analyze the potential health consequences of knowledge gaps in this area. The research addresses the mechanisms of food-drug interactions, focusing on how certain foods impact enzyme systems (e.g., cytochrome P450 enzymes) involved in drug metabolism and their potential to increase or decrease drug bioavailability. In addition, critical interactions between specific foods and drugs have been examined in detail. The study was conducted with 400 participants across Erzurum province to measure public knowledge and awareness. Data were collected through a survey, which included demographic information such as age and assessed participants' knowledge and awareness levels regarding food-drug interactions. The findings revealed that the majority of participants had insufficient knowledge of food-drug interactions and did not fully adhere to medication usage instructions. Notably, older individuals and those with lower educational levels demonstrated a greater lack of knowledge in this regard. In conclusion, various recommendations were developed to raise awareness about food-drug interactions. It has been emphasized that healthcare professionals should receive education on this topic and provide more effective information to patients. Public awareness should be increased through public service announcements, educational programs, and campaigns promoting health literacy. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies are encouraged to present information in drug leaflets in a simpler and more comprehensible language. This thesis serves as a guide for policymakers and healthcare professionals, contributing to reducing public health risks and improving the quality of healthcare services. Keywords: Food, drug, food-drug interaction, public health, knowledge level, awareness level.