Marinac Jacqueline S, Buchinger Colleen L, Godfrey Lincoln A, Wooten James M, Sun Chao, Willsie Sandra K
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Mo, KS, USA.
J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2007 Jan;107(1):13-20; quiz 21-3.
Tens of millions of Americans use herbal products and/or dietary supplements, yet scant data are available regarding the purity, safety, or efficacy of these substances. A better understanding of usage trends and patient attitudes toward self-initiated supplementation is vital to obtaining accurate and complete medical history data.
To survey Americans aged approximately 60 years and older regarding their use of herbal products and dietary supplements and their attitudes and knowledge regarding the safety of these popular substances.
A face-to-face, 35-item survey was administered to 267 men and women residing in the Kansas City, Mo-metropolitan area. Researchers documented usage patterns for, attitudes about, and knowledge of herbal products and dietary supplements in this population.
Fifty-six (21%) respondents were currently taking at least one herbal product or dietary supplement, and potential for adverse drug reactions was apparent in 12 (19%). Glucosamine, garlic, Echinacea, and Gingko biloba were the most frequently cited substances used by survey participants. White women with at least some college education were most likely to report taking these products. However, preservation of health was by far the most predictive indicator for use of herbal products and dietary supplements. Subjects were found to be receptive to patient education efforts for these products.
Although substantial misconceptions about herbal products and dietary supplements exist among older Americans, most individuals in this population are interested in receiving additional information about these products. Excellent opportunities exist for expanded patient education--and improved patient care.
数以千万计的美国人使用草药产品和/或膳食补充剂，但关于这些物质的纯度、安全性或功效的数据却很少。更好地了解使用趋势以及患者对自行补充剂的态度对于获取准确和完整的病史数据至关重要。
调查年龄约60岁及以上的美国人对草药产品和膳食补充剂的使用情况，以及他们对这些流行物质安全性的态度和知识。
对居住在密苏里州堪萨斯城大都市区的267名男性和女性进行了一项包含35个项目的面对面调查。研究人员记录了该人群中草药产品和膳食补充剂的使用模式、态度和知识。
56名（21%）受访者目前至少服用一种草药产品或膳食补充剂，其中12名（19%）存在明显的药物不良反应风险。氨基葡萄糖、大蒜、紫锥菊和银杏是调查参与者提及最多的使用物质。至少受过一些大学教育的白人女性最有可能报告服用这些产品。然而，保持健康是使用草药产品和膳食补充剂最具预测性的指标。研究发现，受试者对这些产品的患者教育工作持接受态度。
尽管美国老年人对草药产品和膳食补充剂存在大量误解，但该人群中的大多数人有兴趣获取有关这些产品的更多信息。扩大患者教育以及改善患者护理存在绝佳机会。
