A Survey-based Study of Knowledge, Perception, and Prescribing Practice Regarding Probiotics Therapy in Yemen
Abdulbasit Ahmed Al-Ghoury *
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Amran University, Amran, Yemen and Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Aljeel Aljadeed University, Sana'a, Yemen.
Mahmoud Mahyoob Alburyhi
Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Aljeel Aljadeed University, Sana'a, Yemen and Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
Jamil M. A. S. Obaid
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Community pharmacists provide advice on probiotic products, but information on their knowledge, perceptions, practices and perceived barriers in Sana'a, Yemen, remains limited.
Objective: To assess pharmacists' knowledge, perceptions, reported practices and perceived barriers concerning probiotic therapy.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 440 pharmacists in Sana'a from December 2025 to February 2026 using a structured questionnaire administered through pharmacy visits. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests were used to analyse the responses.
Results: Among participants, 409 (93.0%) were male and 60.0% were aged 30 years or younger. Overall knowledge was classified as moderate in 61.6%, low in 25.7% and good in 12.7%. Yoghurt was recognised as a natural source of beneficial bacteria by 88.6%, whereas 18.9% recognised the potential cardiovascular benefits of probiotics. Regarding reported practice, 50.5% advised taking probiotics after meals, 70.5% advised storage in a dry, cool place and 89.8% reported recommending probiotics for gastrointestinal conditions. A total of 76.6% agreed that probiotics were safe for all ages. The leading reported barriers were a lack of physician recommendations (86.4%) and limited public demand (70.0%).
Conclusions: The findings indicate moderate overall knowledge alongside gaps in awareness of potential probiotic applications and reported barriers to use. Context-specific professional education and collaboration among healthcare providers may support more informed probiotic counselling.
Keywords: Probiotics, pharmacists' knowledge, prescribing practices, Sana'a, Yemen