Iraqi Community Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards the Adulteration of Herbal Medicines

Background: Herbal medicines are the cornerstone of folk medicine. Pharmacists are often the primary first line of care in community settings. They can play a vital role by providing information and supplying genuine herbal medicines (HMs) and dietary supplements (DSs). Evidence-based data on pharmacist's awareness of and views on adulterated medicines in developing nations is limited. Aims: This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Iraqi community pharmacists towards adulterated HMs sold in community pharmacies. Methods: a cross-sectional web survey with a convenient sample of Iraqi community pharmacists between the 3rd of January and the 13th of February 2024, using a validated questionnaire. Results: A total of 408 pharmacists participated in this study. 63.5%, 54.2%, and 64.46% have adequate knowledge, an intense attitude in a positive direction, and appropriate practices toward the adulteration of HMs and DSs, respectively. A significant correlation was found between knowledge, attitude, and practice. Male participants were found to have higher knowledge scores than females, but female participants were found to have more appropriate practice than males. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that a large proportion of the Iraqi community pharmacists had adequate knowledge, an intense attitude in the positive direction, and appropriate practice towards adulteration of HMs and DSs.