Public knowledge and attitude towards medications and dietary supplements used during COVID-19 self-isolation: a cross sectional survey in Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic for more than two years. People who are confirmed positive for COVID-19 or had close contact with COVID-19 patients are suggested to self-isolate to prevent the transmission. Some medications and supplements are recommended to be taken during self-isolation. The aim of the study was to investigate the public knowledge and attitude towards medications and dietary supplements used during COVID-19 self-isolation such as paracetamol, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and antiretroviral favipiravir. A survey of 380 participants in Surabaya, Indonesia using a self-developed questionnaire carried out online using Google form was conducted. The results showed that most participants had good knowledge (80.3%) and a positive attitude (89.5%). Furthermore, the good public knowledge about medications and dietary supplements used in COVID-19 self-isolation was correlated with a positive attitude (p=0.029). Therefore, continuous education and information campaign about medications and dietary supplements used during COVID-19 self-isolation which involving related parties is still needed.