Investigation of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the utilization of rosemary among the population in Jordan

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 19; no. 8; p. e0307575
• Main Authors: Thiab, Samar, Nassar, Razan I, Alamleh, Saif Alislam, Aboqubo, Abdullah, Aljebori, Abdullah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 26.08.2024; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Analysis; Antibacterial activity; Attitudes; Biology and Life Sciences; Chi-square test; Complications and side effects; Computer and Information Sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; Decision making; Demographics; Dosage and administration; Drug stores; Female; Hair; Hair conditioners; Health aspects; Health attitudes; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Herbal medicine; Herbs; Humans; Jordan; Knowledge; Male; Mean; Medicine and Health Sciences; Medicine, Botanic; Medicine, Herbal; Middle Aged; Physical Sciences; Population; Population (statistical); Population studies; Questionnaires; Readability; Regression analysis; Research and Analysis Methods; Rosemary; Rosmarinus; Social networks; Social Sciences; Statistical analysis; Statistical tests; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Jordan; Hungary; Egypt
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307575

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has a rich historical use for various reasons due to its beneficial characteristics including stimulating hair growth, providing antioxidant and antibacterial effects, and functioning as a skin conditioner and fragrance enhancer. The plant is cultivated in Jordan and using it is gaining popularity among the population. To assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of rosemary use among Jordanians. A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting at least 385 participants via social media platforms. Face and content validity of the questionnaire was performed by independent researchers. The questionnaire was divided into three main sections including the demographics section, the knowledge section and the attitude toward rosemary use. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression. The study's participants (n = 407) had a mean age of 30.98 years old (SD = 12.76). The mean knowledge score for the participants ranged from -5 to 7, with a mean of 2.96 (SD = 2.61), with younger participants exhibiting higher knowledge scores regarding rosemary. Approximately half of the participants (48.2%) reported using rosemary for medical purposes. About three-quarters reported using rosemary oil, but a higher percentage reported using the leaves. Around three quarters administered it orally or applied it topically. Most participants obtained rosemary by growing it at home or from herbalists. Family and friends were the main influencers for rosemary users. Most of the study participants strongly agreed/agreed that plants possess a healing power (94.4%). The most reported reason for using rosemary was improving the hair condition (82.1%) followed by gastrointestinal problems (67.9%). The study highlights the widespread use of rosemary for different reasons through different methods of application. Addressing misconceptions and enhancing knowledge dissemination may allow informed decision-making and promote the safe and effective use of herbal therapies.