Review of Omega-3’s Health Benefits in Parkinson’s Disease and Students Survey

In this study, a literature search and review were conducted on the beneficial effects of omega-3 in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) along with a survey of pharmacy students. This survey was completed at Howard University College of Pharmacy as part of a Drug Informatics course, where first-year Doctor of Pharmacy students were taught how to conduct literature searches. The literature search retrieved a sufficient number of studies to support the use of omega-3 in PD. Based on this, a survey tool was developed and administered. A total of 42 student respondents participated in the survey. The survey questionnaire incorporated demographics, knowledge, and opinion-based questions. There were a set of knowledge and opinion-based questions included. The results show that on the overall knowledge-based questions, only a little over half of the participants (n=25; 59.5%) answered them accurately, which indicates limited knowledge among the participants. Among the knowledge questions, the highest number of accurate responses (n=30; 71.4%) was acquired for the statement that one should avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol while taking omega-3, since they also contain omega-3. Regarding the opinion questions, the respondents were divided evenly (50%; n=21) in most of the opinion questions. The question that acquired the highest variance was the one that refers to the belief that omega-3 supplement reduces the signs and symptoms of PD (mean 2.29+1.02). Overall, even though there are multiple studies that supported the beneficial use of omega-3, in this study, we found a limited knowledge and a wide variance of opinions among the study participants.