@article{89d2c09c6d914d538a6cf109a068e992,
title = "Use and safety perceptions regarding herbal supplements: A study of older persons in Southeast Idaho",
abstract = "Herbal supplements (HS) are used by older persons and are often perceived as safe, although there is limited research that examines why this perception exists. A questionnaire was developed and pilot tested to investigate the use and perceived safety of HS among a convenience sample of 112 adults aged 60 to 92 in southeast Idaho. Fifty-five percent of the participants (n=62) reported using HS in the past. Ninety-five percent (n=59) of those using HS and 75% (n=37) of nonusers reported they believed most or some HS were safe. Perception of herbal supplement safety was greatly influenced by family and friends, and HS users had a greater perception of safety than nonusers (p.001). The top reasons for perceived safety given by HS users were that HS: (1) can be purchased without a prescription, (2) can be purchased in many locations, and (3) are natural.",
keywords = "Complementary and alternative medicine, Dietary supplement, Herbal supplement, Perceived safety, Self-treatment",
author = "Snyder, {Frank J.} and Dundas, {Mary L.} and Carol Kirkpatrick and Neill, {Karen S.}",
note = "Funding Information: This study was supported by the Idaho State University (ISU) Senior Health Mobile (SHM) Project though funds from the Division of State, Community, and Public Health (DSCPH), Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under grant number 2 D36 HP 00003–05– 00, Quentin N. Burdick Rural Health Interdisciplinary Program. This work recognizes the efforts of Judy Robinson from the Region V Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for her support in facilitating this research project and Teri Peterson for assistance in statistical analyses. Funding Information: The Idaho State University Human Subjects Committee approved the study prior to any data collection, which was carried out primarily in rural communities within four counties located in southeast Idaho between April and May 2006. Several weeks prior to data collection, specific dates for survey distribution were scheduled in the selected senior centers through communication with senior center directors. Prepared flyers were sent to senior centers to notify older persons of the opportunity to participate in the research project, which was supported by the Region V Area Agency on Aging. The flyer included an announcement of the study and an incentive of a $5 gift certificate toward senior center meals for participation. Similarly, a data collection date was scheduled for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren group and participants were offered a $5 gift certificate for a local grocery store for their participation.",
year = "2009",
month = jan,
doi = "10.1080/01639360802634043",
language = "English",
volume = "28",
pages = "81--95",
journal = "Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly",
issn = "0163-9366",
number = "1",
}