J. Pharm. Pharmacogn. Res., vol. 14, no. 5, Article ID 2902, Sep-Oct 2026.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56499/jppres_14.5.2902

Original Article

Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and use of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) among adults in Jordan: A cross-sectional online survey

[Conocimientos, actitudes, percepciones y uso del clavo de olor (Syzygium aromaticum) entre adultos en Jordania: una encuesta transversal en línea]

Razan I. Nassar^1*, Samar Thiab², Rahma Al-adwan³, Abdullah Aboqubo³, Mohammad Alostath³, Jana Shanteer³, Noor Nassar⁴, Mohammad T. Alashqar⁵

¹Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.

²Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.

³Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.

⁴Pharmaceutical Procurement, Department of Pharmacy, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan.

⁵Institute of Therapeutic Innovations and Outcomes, Division of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America.

*E-mail: r_nassar@asu.edu.jo

Abstract

Context: Clove and clove oil are commonly used for culinary and traditional health purposes, although unsafe use and potential interactions remain concerns.

Aims: Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and reported patterns of clove use were assessed among respondents in Jordan.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was completed by 384 participants recruited through convenience sampling via Facebook and WhatsApp. The questionnaire was developed after a literature review, assessed for face validity by three academics, and pilot-tested. Internal consistency of the knowledge domain was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and binary logistic regression analyses were used.

Results: Previous use of clove or clove oil was reported by 229 participants (59.6%). Traditional or cultural practice was the most frequently reported influence on use (56.8% of users). Whole clove was the most common form (89.5%), and toothache or oral pain was the most common indication (89.1%). The mean knowledge score was 5.13 ± 2.85 (observed range, -2 to 10). Female sex (B = 1.445, p<0.001) and health-sector employment (B = 1.567, p<0.001) were associated with higher adjusted knowledge scores. Previous clove or clove oil use was also significantly associated with female sex (OR = 1.889, p = 0.005). Natural remedies were perceived as safer than pharmaceutical treatments by 63.5% of respondents.

Conclusions: Clove use was common in this online convenience sample, but important misconceptions concerning dilution, adverse effects, pediatric safety, and drug interactions were identified. Targeted public education and pharmacist counseling should be evaluated in representative samples.

Keywords: cross-sectional studies; health knowledge, attitudes, practice; Jordan; phytotherapy; Syzygium aromaticum; traditional medicine.

Resumen

Contexto: El clavo de olor y el aceite de clavo se utilizan comúnmente con fines culinarios y en la medicina tradicional, aunque su uso inadecuado y las posibles interacciones siguen siendo motivo de preocupación.

Objetivos: Se evaluaron los conocimientos, las actitudes, las percepciones y los patrones declarados de consumo de clavo entre los encuestados en Jordania.

Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta descriptiva transversal en línea en la que participaron 384 personas reclutadas mediante muestreo por conveniencia a través de Facebook y WhatsApp. El cuestionario se elaboró tras una revisión de la literatura, fue evaluado por tres académicos en cuanto a su validez aparente y se sometió a una prueba piloto. La consistencia interna del dominio de conocimientos se evaluó mediante el alfa de Cronbach. Se utilizaron análisis de estadística descriptiva, regresión lineal múltiple y regresión logística binaria.

Resultados: Un total de 229 participantes (59,6 %) reportaron haber utilizado previamente clavo de olor o aceite de clavo. Las prácticas tradicionales o culturales fueron la influencia sobre el uso reportada con mayor frecuencia (56,8 % de los usuarios). El clavo entero fue la forma más utilizada (89,5 %), y el dolor dental u oral fue la indicación más frecuente (89,1 %). La puntuación media de conocimientos fue de 5,13 ± 2,85 (rango observado: −2 a 10). El sexo femenino (B = 1,445; p<0,001) y el empleo en el sector sanitario (B = 1,567; p<0,001) se asociaron con puntuaciones ajustadas de conocimientos más altas. El uso previo de clavo de olor o aceite de clavo también se asoció significativamente con el sexo femenino (OR = 1,889; p = 0,005). El 63,5 % de los participantes consideró que los remedios naturales eran más seguros que los tratamientos farmacéuticos.

Conclusiones: El uso del clavo de olor fue frecuente en esta muestra de conveniencia reclutada en línea, pero se identificaron importantes conceptos erróneos relacionados con la dilución, los efectos adversos, la seguridad pediátrica y las interacciones farmacológicas. La educación pública dirigida y el asesoramiento por parte de farmacéuticos deberían evaluarse en muestras representativas.

Palabras Clave: conocimientos, actitudes y práctica en salud; estudios transversales; fitoterapia; Jordania; medicina tradicional; Syzygium aromaticum.

https://jppres.com/jppres/pdf/vol14/jppres_14.5.2902.pdf

Citation Format: Nassar RI, Thiab S, Al-adwan R, Aboqubo A, Alostath M, Shanteer J, Nassar N, Alashqar MT (2026) Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and use of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) among adults in Jordan: A cross-sectional online survey. J Pharm Pharmacogn Res 14(5): 2902. https://doi.org/10.56499/jppres_14.5.2902

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