RESUMO
To assess the prevalence of melatonin use and its perceived benefits among university students in different specialties in Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and June 2023. Data about demographics, time of melatonin use, perceived reasons for exogenous melatonin use, melatonin use in relation to exam periods, perceived safety, and adverse effects was gathered. Of 380 students, ~52% reported using exogenous melatonin for sleep disorders. Most participants reported using melatonin during and after exam periods. Additionally, several (n = 157; 75.4%) believed that its use was safe. The predominant use patterns were daily and as needed, and this study observed a higher rate of use compared with previous studies in Saudi Arabia. The most frequently reported adverse effect was headache (n = 36; 37.5%). A significant number of undergraduate male students in health specialties used melatonin. A high rate of melatonin use was noted during exam periods, which was attributed to sleep deprivation. Additionally, a significant number of students from private universities reported using exogenous melatonin. Melatonin use is common among university students. Future research should use a reliable psychometric measure to test its effect on university students' sleep quality and quantity.
RESUMO
Melatonin, which is classified as a dietary supplement by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, is used to manage sleep disorders. In this study, community pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes about dispensing melatonin supplements and the perceived safety and effectiveness of melatonin were assessed. A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was conducted from March-June 2023. Community pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes towards prescribing and dispensing melatonin supplements, the methods of dispensing melatonin supplements (prescription, over the counter, self-administered), indications, ages of users, dosage forms, and adverse drug reactions related to melatonin use among consumers were surveyed using a questionnaire. Potential participants were approached face to face, a questionnaire was administered to those agreeing to participate in the study, and responses were recorded electronically. The response rate of the 300 community pharmacists who participated in this study was 83.5%. The mean age of participants was 33.6 years, and 89.3% (n = 268) of community pharmacists reported dispensing melatonin supplements. Self-medication and over the counter (n = 213; 71.2%) were the most common dispensing and prescribing patterns (p = 0.001). Awareness rates about melatonin supplement pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics among community pharmacists were 38% and 37%, respectively. Despite its popularity, community pharmacists reported relatively low rates of awareness of melatonin supplement pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Further attention to this issue is needed.
