46B-8 |
Herbal dietary supplements: Attitudes, beliefs, and risk perceptions |
M. A. KANTOR, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, 3304 Marie Mount Hall, College Park, MD 20742-7521 and A. Miner, Prince George's Community College, Chesapeake Hall 210C, 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD 20771. Adverse health effects attributed to certain herbal dietary supplements (HDS) have been recently reported, and studies suggest that some HDS adversely interact with medications. Nevertheless, many consumers use HDS, and this topic generates considerable interest for extension outreach programs. Our objective was to investigate consumer attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions about HDS, particularly with respect to safety, effectiveness, and labeling. Our goals were to determine factors that affect the use of HDS, gain a better understanding of how consumers interpret label statements, and identify possible misconceptions about HDS. Three focus groups were conducted to broadly assess consumer attitudes about HDS. Based in part on these discussions, a 71-item survey instrument was developed employing a 5-point Likert scale for most questions. After pilot testing, the survey was administered to interested faculty and staff employed at a local community college. Of the 80 subjects who completed the survey, 65% reported previously using HDS, and 30% were current users. When asked why they took HDS, the most common reason was "desire to improve health." Although a majority of respondents were aware that pre-market testing for product effectiveness is not required, 91% believed the federal government should require that HDS be tested for effectiveness. However, 69% said that HDS should be available to consumers for purchase "even if there is no good scientific evidence that they work." Although a majority of subjects agreed it was important to disclose their use of HDS during medical exams, most did not believe that physicians were knowledgeable about HDS. More than half the subjects indicated the label was confusing. These results suggest that consumers are ambivalent about HDS, particularly with respect to labeling and other regulatory issues. Our results may be useful in designing effective education programs and communications targeted to consumers who are taking HDS, or considering taking them.
Session 46B, Extension
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