STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MEDICINAL HERBS AMONG WOMEN WHO ATTENDED HEALTH CENTERS IN TABRIZ, IRAN

Background and Aim: Herbs have medical properties in providing health and well-being of subjects. According to the World Health Organization, the most of the population, especially in developing countries, use these components for therapeutic needs. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about medicinal herbs in women who attended health centers in Tabriz, Iran.Methods: In this descriptive study 100 women over 19 years old were randomly selected among health centers. Information were collected by interviewing with subjects and completing a questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21, chi-square and spearman correlation coefficient tests. Results: The mean age of women was 33.34 years. Using of medicinal herbs were common among 86% of subjects. More than half of the people (58%) occasionally recommended the use of medicinal herbs. The source of information was primarily the family and then relatives. The awareness in 78% of cases was poor. There was significant positive relationship between higher knowledge score and age (P<0.05). Conclusion: Regarding the high medicinal herbs consumption by studied subjects and their low knowledge about correct use, side effects, and toxic dose, implementing educational programs are needed to promote awareness of women about these compositions.

کلیدواژه ها:

knowledge ، medicinal herbs ، women ، health centers