Knowledge and opinions on medicinal plants and herbal drugs of the physicians in La Sierpe and Sancti Spiritus municipalities

摘要

OBJECTIVES: to determine general aspects, knowledge on medicinal plants and herbal drugs, and the levels of acceptance and prescription of primary health care physicians. METHODS: a descriptive cross-sectional study was designed in the 4 health areas of the "Centro" Polyclinic of Sancti Spiritus and the urban part of the health area of La Sierpe. Surveys were done in a representative sample of physicians of both municipalities. RESULTS: an adequate knowledge and acceptance in relation to the use of medicinal plants and herbal drugs to solve the problems of primary health care were confirmed. The phytodrugs were attributed an effectivity similar to that of the synthetic drugs in both localities. The non existence of expirations and an acceptable sale of phytodrugs at the drug stores were corroborated, but drug prescription proved to be very low in Sancti Spiritus. It was not so in La Sierpe, where the values were acceptable. In spite of the favorable coincidence observed in the studied variables among the physicians from the 2 surveyed municipalities, better results were found in La Sierpe municipality. CONCLUSIONS: it is necessary to continue the upgrading process on this topic to contribute to a more rational use of the phytodrugs by prescription.