Knowledge and Awareness of Drug-Food Interactions among the General Public in Eastern Libya

Abstract

Drug interactions can result in serious consequences, including hospitalization and death. Drug interactions occur when a substance enhances or reduces the effects of a drug or creates a new effect that neither the drug nor the substance can produce individually. When these interactions involve food substances, they are referred to as food-drug interactions (FDIs). This study is a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study of the knowledge and awareness of FDIs among the general public in multiple cities in eastern Libya. A total of 552 participants were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of three sections was used for data collection. The first section was on the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, the second section on the participants’ general knowledge of FDIs, and the third section consisted of six questions assessing awareness of some specific FDIs. The study sample consisted of 552 males and females aged 18 years or more from multiple locations. They had an overall good level of knowledge and awareness of FDIs, with an average score of 60%. However, their awareness of crucial aspects of FDI was limited. We conclude that the general public in eastern Libya has a good understanding of some FDIs, but they remain unaware of other crucial interactions. Campaigns to increase public awareness and knowledge are recommended.