KNOWLEDGE ABOUT Hypericum perfuratum OF PHARMACISTS FROM PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PHARMACY SERVICES-DISPENSING

The Hypericum perforatum, also known as St John's, is mainly used as antidepressive. The objective of this study was to understand the educational level of pharmacists about H. perforatum, including their knowledge about the indication, contraindication, treatment time, adverse effects, pertinent care, and the existence of educational training for pharmacists. A survey was applied on pharmacists to access their knowledge about H. perforatum. The data analysis included the distribution of the relative frequencies and the crossing of the variables for the analysis of the aspects of interest, using the chi-square test and IRAMUTEQ software for discursive questions. Differences were presented regarding the knowledge about the herbal medicine, H. perforatum, among public and private pharmacists, as to the plant's indication, dosage, interactions, adverse effects, and care with the administration. These differences likely stem from variations in age, time of educational formation, and continued education of the professionals interviewed in this study.