Evaluating the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Jordanian Society Towards Halal Pharmaceuticals

Halal pharmaceuticals comply with Islamic dietary laws and ethical principles, addressing the needs of Muslim consumers. Understanding public awareness and attitudes towards these products is crucial for promoting informed healthcare decisions and religious adherence.

Halal pharmaceuticals, adhering to Islamic principles, are essential in Muslim-majority countries. This study aimed to investigate the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of Jordanian society regarding halal pharmaceutical products.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 914 participants from diverse demographic backgrounds in Jordan. The survey assessed awareness, attitudes, and practices concerning halal pharmaceuticals. Data analysis was performed to identify key determinants of KAP scores.

The study revealed moderate knowledge about halal pharmaceuticals among participants, with 60.4% and 64.2% unfamiliar with the terms “halal pharmaceuticals” and “non-halal pharmaceuticals,” respectively. While 85.2% of participants recognized the prohibition of substances, such as derivatives of dead animals and alcohol, in pharmaceuticals, 66.2% lacked awareness of specific non-halal ingredients. When seeking information about halal medicines, 73.1% of participants relied on established institutions, while 68.4% used online resources. Pharmacists were identified as trusted sources by 61.7% of respondents. Gender, age, smoking status, education level, specialization, and job status significantly influenced KAP scores. Specifically, females exhibited higher knowledge and more favorable attitudes, with 64.1% of females reporting favorable knowledge, compared to 52.3% of males. Higher education levels also correlated with better KAP scores, with 74.5% of participants with a university education demonstrating more favorable practices compared to 55.7% of those without higher education.

The findings underscore the need for enhanced educational initiatives to bridge knowledge gaps and promote awareness about halal pharmaceuticals. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and religious authorities are essential to ensure the availability and clear identification of halal pharmaceutical options, catering to the religious beliefs of patients and fostering informed healthcare decisions.