Knowledge, counseling practices, and educational gaps related to drug–food interactions among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Drug–food interactions (DFIs) can significantly affect therapeutic efficacy and patient safety. However, there is limited evidence regarding healthcare professionals’ knowledge and practices concerning DFIs, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, counseling practices, and perceived barriers among healthcare professionals regarding DFIs, with a focus on cultural and educational dimensions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 385 healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The survey assessed knowledge of DFIs, sources of information, counseling behavior, reporting practices, and the perceived need for additional training. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings. Results: A total of 231 respondents (60.0%) demonstrated limited knowledge regarding DFI mechanisms. More than half (51.4%) reported receiving no formal instruction on DFIs, and 146 participants (37.9%) relied primarily on informal sources. Only 164 professionals (42.6%) indicated that they routinely counseled patients about DFIs involving traditional foods or herbal products. Notably, only 73 participants (19.0%) had ever reported a DFI-related adverse event. These patterns suggest possible deficiencies in current curricular content, continuing professional education, and cultural alignment of counseling practices. Conclusion: The findings indicate potential gaps in healthcare professionals’ preparedness to manage DFIs effectively, particularly in relation to traditional food practices and pharmacovigilance. Tentatively, this may reflect shortcomings in both undergraduate curricula and post-graduate training programs. There may be value in integrating culturally sensitive DFI training into pharmacy and medical education, supported by continuing professional development initiatives. National guidelines tailored to local dietary contexts and patient beliefs could also enhance the quality of DFI-related counseling and reporting.