Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes toward Food–Drug Interactions among a Sample of the Iraqi Population in Baghdad: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Food-drug interactions (FDIs) are not adequately recorded and can be linked to several factors, such as insufficient documentation of food history, lack of follow-up, or lack of awareness. The objective of study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness among the Baghdad population regarding FDIs. Methods: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study, spanning from March 2024 to May 2024, and included a total of 612 individuals. Participants were given a standardized questionnaire to gather data on their understanding of FDIs. A descriptive analysis was conducted to ascertain the frequency of responses. Results: The overall rate of response was 85%, with a greater proportion of females; 92% were in the age bracket of 20- 30. Just 23% of the participants had encountered FDI at least once throughout their lifetimes. Drug package leaflets should also be read before using the medication, according to over 91% of respondents. 91% of the respondents acknowledged that acidic foods and beverages can impact the absorption of pharmaceuticals and lead to interactions between food and drugs. Furthermore, they firmly believe that alcohol and drugs should never be ingested together. Conclusion: The participants were knowledgeable and conscious about FDIs. This outcome has the potential for further optimization, given that a significant majority of respondents expressed a favorable inclination towards reading the medicine label prior to utilizing pharmaceuticals.