L'OFFICINE ET SON RAYON COMPLEMENTS ALIMENTAIRES ETAT DES LIEUX AVANT ET APRES LA CRISE SANITAIRE COVID-19

Abstract

This study reflects the impact of Covid-19 on the behaviour of Algerian citizens regarding the level of consumption of food supplements before and during the health crisis. Its aim is to rate the percentage of food supplements sold in pharmacies before and during Covid-19. a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 3 months ( December 2021 to February 2022), that involved 100 citizens , 100 pharmacists and salespeople working in pharmacies in different wilayas. The analysis of the data collected through surveys showed that the average age of our population is 34 ± 14 years, with a female predominance (61%), the contamination by Covid-19 concerned 63% of our population. The use of FS increased from 45% before the Covid-19 to 91% during the pandemic, 39% were used for preventive reasons. The most consumed FS was vitamin C which increased from 23% before Covid-19 to 76 % after, vitamin D from 11% to 21% and zinc from 12% to 56% ; as for herbal teas consumption it increased from 5% to 21% before and during Covid-19 respectively. The interview with pharmacists confirms that the consumption of FS increased to 97% during the pandemic. Citizens adopted unusual behaviours throughout this health crisis by leaning much more towards self-medication 57% , this research has enabled us to illustrate the evolution of Algerian consumers' behaviours toward the excessive use of FS amid the pandemic, in order to reduce the resulting risks, it is necessary to adopt responsible and planned behaviours on the citizen as well as the pharmacist