Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards drug-food interactions among patients at public hospitals in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

• DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i1.79
• Publication Date: 2022-05-09T11:02:36Z
• Authors: Emmanuella C Osuala; Boikhutso Tlou; Elizabeth B Ojewole
• Keywords: Pill; Cross-sectional study

Drug-food interactions can lead to adverse drug reactions and therapy failure which potentially impact patient safety outcome.This study assessed patients' knowledge, attitudes practices regarding drug-food interactions.A cross-sectional was conducted among patients at three public hospitals in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. Statistical analysis performed using SPSS® version 25. The association between demographic variables were assessed.Of the 342 patients, 70.5% female, mean age 42.87±0.89 years. Almost 50% of had secondary level education, 64% unemployed. About 52% high knowledge interactions; however, only 30-50% could identify potential their drugs. More than half (51.5%) answered that they took multivitamin pills with medications 61.7% responded consulted healthcare professionals for interactions' information before taking new medications. Few (15.2%) experienced interactions.Overall, gaps practices, positive towards interactions. Many not food items interact It is important education medication counselling are provided prevent interactions, ensure optimal safety.