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Alves da Costa F, Paulino E, Crisóstomo S. Role of Portuguese community pharmacy and pharmacists in self-care. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 12:100334. [PMID: 37810745 PMCID: PMC10556834 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Portugal recognizes the importance of self-care in its policies and has been actively engaging in health literacy and citizen empowerment. The current National Health Plan for the period 2021-2030 clearly mentions the need to "take greater advantage of the network of community pharmacies throughout the national territory, in favour of the health of the community, from the protection and promotion of health, through health literacy, to the prevention and early detection of disease, and the aggravation of chronic disease, among others". There is recognition of the role of pharmacists and community pharmacies. However, more needs to be done to promote intersectoral collaboration, particularly as community pharmacies are private entities but can nonetheless support the public national health service. Community pharmacies assisted many individuals during the pandemic to test suspect cases free of charge. The fight to end AIDS and viral hepatitis is another example where community pharmacies promote self-testing and ensure efficient screening and referral to diagnosis and treatment. Portugal has already moved to reimburse community pharmacies for services with some of them in areas of self-care including COVID-19 testing. Nevertheless, future challenges include making community pharmacies sustainable. Taking into account that community pharmacies are private entities that can supplement the public health service just as any other provider, it is essential to review payment models, referral mechanisms and access and integration of information from other partners in primary and secondary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Alves da Costa
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMED), Faculty of Parmacy, University of Lisbon; Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ema Paulino
- National Association of Pharmacies (Associação Nacional das Farmácias, ANF), Lisboa, Portugal
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Prevalence and influencing factors of self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Arab region: a multinational cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:180. [PMID: 36707840 PMCID: PMC9880368 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15025-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has begun with a wave of misinformation and fear of infection. This may have led people to self-medicate inappropriately. The World Health Organization describes self-medication (SM) as utilizing medicines to relieve symptoms or health conditions without consulting a physician. Inappropriate drug use is a burden on both health resources and patient health in the Arab region. This study aimed to detect the prevalence and influencing factors of self-medication among the general Arab population during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A multinational cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of ten Arab countries from early August to late October 2021. Participants aged 18 years or older could join the study via social media platforms. A convenience sampling technique was used. A developed and validated web-based questionnaire was used to collect data on self-medication practice, associated influencing factors, information sources, commonly used medications, and commonly treated conditions. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were applied using IBM SPSS v 26 and R v 4.0.0 software. RESULTS A total of 8163 participants completed the questionnaire, and 518 participants were excluded from the analysis due to inconsistencies in their data. Almost two-thirds (62.7%) of participants reported practicing self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the country level, Egypt had the highest prevalence of self-medication practice (72.1%), while Palestine had the lowest prevalence (40.4%). The most commonly used drugs were analgesics, antipyretics, and vitamins (86, 65.1, and 57.1%, respectively), while antitussives and antibiotics scored 47.6 and 43.3%, respectively. Experience with similar health conditions (74.6%) and urgency of the problem (47.2%) were the most frequent factors that led to self-medication. Additionally, 38.2% of the self-medicated participants (SMPs) used drugs as prophylaxis against COVID-19. Pharmacist consultation was the most common source of information about self-medication (66.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that predictors of self-medication were older age (p = 0.008), presence of chronic illness (p = 0.015), and having monthly income or medical insurance that does not cover the treatment cost (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Self-medication is considered a common practice across the Arab population. It is necessary to regulate policies and raise awareness among the public about self-medication.
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Saha A, Zam D, Khan AA, Dutta P, Mannan A, Alam N. Prevalence and determinants of self-medication practices among general population: A cross-sectional study in Thimphu, Bhutan and Chattogram, Bangladesh. J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036231152327. [PMID: 36726455 PMCID: PMC9885035 DOI: 10.1177/22799036231152327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication is a global phenomenon and a potential contributor to negative health consequences on human health including emergence of antibiotic drug resistance globally. Objective The primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and determinants of self-medication in Thimphu, Bhutan and Chattogram, Bangladesh, two neighbouring South Asian country. Methodology A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Thimphu, Bhutan and Chattogram, Bangladesh. A pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, health status and self-medication practices in the previous year. Results Out of the 998 recruited participants, 61.8% (170/275) from Thimphu and 41.5% (300/723) from Chattogram reported self-medication practices in last year of interview. In Thimphu, eye/ear infection (90.9%), fever (84.9%), headache (80.5%) and cough and cold (78.2%) were the major illnesses reported for self-medication, whereas in Chattogram people mostly self-medicated for skin disorder (74.4%), diarrhoeal illness (59.1%) and eye/ear infection (48.1%). Knowledge on side-effects of the drugs taken for self-medication was comparatively higher in Thimphu than in Chattogram. Both in Thimphu and Chattogram, higher odds of self-medication were found for common illnesses with adjusted OR 7.8; 95% CI 3.3-18.4 and adjusted OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4-2.8, respectively in Thimphu and Chattogram. Conclusion Self-medication was found to be substantially high in both the cities, however, rate of self-medication was higher in Thimphu compared to Chattogram. Knowledge and awareness raising about harmful effect of self-medication and effective regulation over selling of prescription medication in pharmacies should be strengthened in both countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayan Saha
- Department of Bioinformatics and
Biotechnology, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- Disease Biology and Molecular
Epidemiology Research Group, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Dawa Zam
- Department of Public Health, Asian
University for Women, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Ayesha Ahmed Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Chittagong
Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Preya Dutta
- Disease Biology and Molecular
Epidemiology Research Group, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust
University Bangladesh, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Adnan Mannan
- Disease Biology and Molecular
Epidemiology Research Group, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- Department of Genetic Engineering &
Biotechnology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Nazmul Alam
- Department of Public Health, Asian
University for Women, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- Nazmul Alam, Department of Public Health,
Asian University for Women, Badsha Miah Road, Chattogram-4000, Bangladesh.
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Mirdad OA, Esheba GE, Mousa AH, Nukaly HY, Alhindi YZ, Hariri NH, Ayoub N, Alsanosi SM. Over-the-Counter Medication Use among Parents in Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20021193. [PMID: 36673949 PMCID: PMC9858867 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Self-medication is a growing public health concern worldwide. Studies have shown a gap between best practice and the current practice of using over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Despite being a well-recognised problem in Saudi Arabia, few studies have investigated OTC medication use in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the attitudes and knowledge of parents regarding OTC medication use in the Jeddah region, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out via an electronic questionnaire sent randomly to parents over four months, from 1 January to 30 April 2022. The participants’ characteristics and categorical variables were represented descriptively by frequency and percentage. A Chi-square test was used to test the relationship between the variables. Results: In total, 211 questionnaires were included in this study. Females represented 54.5% of the participants included in the study. Parents belonging to the 18-to-30-year-old group comprised the highest percentage (37.9%), and most of the parents (72.9%) had received an undergraduate education. Family physicians were the most common source (37.3%) of information about OTC medications, whereas more than half of parents purchased OTC medications from the community pharmacy (58.8%). While almost half of the parents (52.1%) visited a family physician when side effects of OTC medications appeared in their children, only (33.6%) stopped giving their children the OTC medicine. The relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics (including educational level, marital status, and employment status) and OTC drug consumption was significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Educational campaigns are needed to guide patients about the proper use of OTC medications. Studies on OTC medication use are lacking in Saudi Arabia in terms of its frequency, reasons for use, type of self-medication, and contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola A. Mirdad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24375, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghada E. Esheba
- Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24375, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31111, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H. Mousa
- College of Medicine and Surgery, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Houriah Y. Nukaly
- College of Medicine and Surgery, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yosra Z. Alhindi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24375, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahla H. Hariri
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care for Pilgrims, Faculty of Medicine, Umm AlQura University, Makkah 24375, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahla Ayoub
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24375, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safaa M. Alsanosi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24375, Saudi Arabia
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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Siraj EA, Yayehrad AT, Kassaw AT, Kassahun D, Solomon E, Abdela H, Gizachew G, Awoke E. Self-Medication Prevalence and Factors Associated with Knowledge and Attitude Towards Self-Medication Among Undergraduate Health Science Students at GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Patient Prefer Adherence 2022; 16:3157-3172. [PMID: 36506105 PMCID: PMC9733564 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s390058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reports indicate that health science students are among the frontline of self-medication practitioners. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the self-medication (SM) practice and associated factors with knowledge and attitude of undergraduate health science students at GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire from May to July, 2022. A stratified random sampling method was applied to collect the data. The collected data were checked, and exported into SPSS 26. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed to determine the results and the associated factors. Variables with p < 0.05 were regarded as significant. Results 301 students (31 medicine, 163 pharmacy, and 107 medical laboratory students) responded (99% response rate). 68.1% of the respondents had practiced SM at least once within the last six months. 58.8% had good knowledge, while 55.5% have a positive attitude towards SM. Headache (33.7%) and cough (29.8%) were the primary disease conditions for SM. Analgesics (37.1%) and antimicrobials (29.8%) are most frequently self-consumed agents. Being a medicine student (AOR = 3.872; 95% CI: (1.263-11.866); p = 0.018), not having health insurance (AOR = 2.431; 95% CI: (1.383-4.274); p = 0.002), and not having a known medical illness (AOR = 2.241; 95% CI: (1.226-4.127); p = 0.010) were independently associated with good knowledge. While, living in an urban area was significantly associated with a positive attitude (AOR = 3.593; 95% CI: (1.404-9.197); p = 0.004). Conclusion The SM rate in GAMBY is significantly higher. Besides, not more than half the students had acceptable knowledge and attitude towards SM. The college and the surrounding regulatory authorities should consider ways of controlling and recapitalizing SM practices by the students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Abdela Siraj
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, North-West Ethiopia
| | - Ashagrachew Tewabe Yayehrad
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, North-West Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Tarekegn Kassaw
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, North-East Ethiopia
| | - Dagmawit Kassahun
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahir Dar, North-West Ethiopia
| | - Eyerus Solomon
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahir Dar, North-West Ethiopia
| | - Hadra Abdela
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahir Dar, North-West Ethiopia
| | - Getasew Gizachew
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahir Dar, North-West Ethiopia
| | - Efrem Awoke
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, GAMBY Medical and Business College, Bahir Dar, North-West Ethiopia
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Saha A, Marma KKS, Rashid A, Tarannum N, Das S, Chowdhury T, Afrin N, Chakraborty P, Emran M, Mehedi HMH, Hussain MI, Barua A, Mistry SK. Risk factors associated with self-medication among the indigenous communities of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269622. [PMID: 35696405 PMCID: PMC9191716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In developing countries like Bangladesh, self-medication has become a predicament associated with health risks and clinical complications. To date, no studies have been conducted on the practice of self-medication among the indigenous population living in Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT). Objectives This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication and analyzing the factors associated with it among the indigenous population in CHT. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from late October to early December 2020; among different indigenous group populations residing in the three districts of CHT aged 18 or more. A pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, health status, frequency of self-medication, reasons for self-medication in last one year, as well as other variables. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess associated factors with self-medication. Results A total of 1350 people from different indigenous populations were interviewed, among whom 49.9% practiced self-medication. The rate of self-prescribed antibiotics usage (80.9%) was significantly higher compared to other drugs. Self-prescribed medications were mostly used for diarrhea and food poisoning (60.6%), cough, cold and fever (51.4%), and headache (51.4%). A common source of self-prescribed medicines was community or retail pharmacy and the most reported reason for self-prescribed medication was the long-distance of healthcare facilities from home. Conclusion The prevalence of self-medication is substantially high among indigenous people and the effect is alarming. Particular concern is the misuse of antibiotics and analgesic drugs. Increasing awareness among the population of the negative effect of self-medication and implementation of proper policies and actions are urgently needed to prevent self-medication among indigenous population in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayan Saha
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- * E-mail: ,
| | | | - Afrah Rashid
- Department of Public Health and Bioinformatics, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Nowshin Tarannum
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Srabanty Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | | | - Nusrat Afrin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Prashanta Chakraborty
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Emran
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Science & Technology Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Ashim Barua
- Upazila Health Complex, Alikadam, Bandarban, Bangladesh
| | - Sabuj Kanti Mistry
- ARCED Foundation, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Public Health, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Yadav R, Zaman K, Mishra A, Reddy MM, Shankar P, Yadav P, Kumar K, Kant R. Health Seeking Behaviour and Healthcare Utilization in a Rural Cohort of North India. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050757. [PMID: 35627894 PMCID: PMC9140543 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The healthcare infrastructure of a country determines the health-seeking behaviour of the population. In developing countries such as India, there is a great disparity in the distribution of healthcare institutions across urban and rural areas with disadvantages for people living in rural areas. Objectives: Our objectives were to study the health-seeking behavior and factors associated with the use of formal healthcare among the Gorakhpur Health and Demographic Surveillance System (GHDSS) cohort of North India. Methods: The study was conducted in 28 villages from two rural blocks in the Gorakhpur district of eastern Uttar Pradesh, North India. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data with regard to demographics, health-seeking behaviour and healthcare utilization. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to report the factors associated with the utilization of healthcare. Results: Out of 120,306 individuals surveyed, 19,240 (16%) individuals reported having any health problem in the last 15 days. Of them, 90% sought healthcare for their health needs. The formal healthcare utilization was 79%. The use of public health facilities was very low (37%) with most of the people seeking treatment from private healthcare (63%). Females, people with a higher level of education (graduate and above), and those belonging to rich and middle tercile were more likely to use formal healthcare services. Among different ailments, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal problems, and musculoskeletal problems were associated with decreased use of formal healthcare. Conclusion: About four in five individuals surveyed who had health problems sought treatments from formal healthcare with three in five preferring private institutions to public healthcare facilities due to a perceived higher level of treatment quality and nearby availability. There is an urgent need to re-establish community trust among public healthcare facilities with a focus on delivering on-site health care and enhancing the quality of services offered by public healthcare institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajaram Yadav
- Indian Council of Medical Research—Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur 273013, India; (R.Y.); (A.M.); (M.M.R.); (P.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Kamran Zaman
- Indian Council of Medical Research—Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur 273013, India; (R.Y.); (A.M.); (M.M.R.); (P.Y.); (K.K.)
- Correspondence: (K.Z.); (R.K.)
| | - Ayush Mishra
- Indian Council of Medical Research—Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur 273013, India; (R.Y.); (A.M.); (M.M.R.); (P.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Mahendra M. Reddy
- Indian Council of Medical Research—Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur 273013, India; (R.Y.); (A.M.); (M.M.R.); (P.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Prem Shankar
- Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur 273013, India;
| | - Priyanka Yadav
- Indian Council of Medical Research—Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur 273013, India; (R.Y.); (A.M.); (M.M.R.); (P.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Kaushik Kumar
- Indian Council of Medical Research—Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur 273013, India; (R.Y.); (A.M.); (M.M.R.); (P.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Rajni Kant
- Indian Council of Medical Research—Regional Medical Research Centre Gorakhpur (ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur), Gorakhpur 273013, India; (R.Y.); (A.M.); (M.M.R.); (P.Y.); (K.K.)
- Correspondence: (K.Z.); (R.K.)
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Effects of Demographic Characteristics and Consumer Behavior in the selection of Retail Pharmacies and Over-the-Counter Medicine. EUROPEAN PHARMACEUTICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/afpuc-2021-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
The study aimed to provide new insights into consumer behaviour by identifying the key demographic factors that influence the choice of pharmacy and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine.
Materials and Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban area (Thessaloniki, Greece), surveying a convenience sample of 314 consumers with a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using the chi-square test, one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient.
Results
Respondents with a lower educational level and retired consumers tended to make their purchases in a single pharmacy (p < 0.001). Older participants were more likely to consider the pharmacy staff and additional services to be important factors (p < 0.01). Students were the only group to prefer a formal relationship with the pharmacy staff (p < 0.001). Participants with a lower educational level tended to know exactly what they would buy (p < 0.05), whereas women made more unscheduled purchases of OTCs (p < 0.05). Respondents with a higher income assigned more importance to the product's country of origin (p < 0.05) and manufacturing company (p < 0.01) and less importance to the pharmacist's opinion than those of a lower income (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The educational level, occupation and age of consumers have a marked effect in their selection of pharmacy, and along with gender and personal income, in their choice of OTC medicine. Our findings yield implications for the management of community pharmacies.
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Jain K, Likhar S, Kot L. Self-medication practice and health-seeking behavior among medical students during COVID 19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. MGM JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mgmj.mgmj_107_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Mannasaheb BA, Al-Yamani MJ, Alajlan SA, Alqahtani LM, Alsuhimi SE, Almuzaini RI, Albaqawi AF, Alshareef ZM. Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Viewpoints of Undergraduate University Students towards Self-Medication: An Institution-Based Study in Riyadh. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8545. [PMID: 34444294 PMCID: PMC8394125 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rational and responsible self-medication (SM) is not only the key to better health outcomes, but also key to limiting adverse drug events. This institution-based cross-sectional study utilized seven- and four-item scales to assess the knowledge and attitude towards SM. Similarly, SM practices were measured using eight scale questions consisting of SM practice during the last six months, type of drug consumed, reason and frequency of SM, and so on. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Overall, 371 students completed the questionnaire. The students with a good level of knowledge and positive attitude towards SM were 60.64% and 66.8%, respectively. About 55.5% of students practiced SM during the last six months using antipyretics (37.7%), multivitamins (36.4%), sleeping aids (20.2%), and anti-histamines (18.6%). Headache (79.2%), fever (37.7%), pain (25.9%), and colds and coughs (25.3%) were the illnesses for which they sought SM. The students admitted that drug side effects (75%), drug resistance (33.7%), drug interaction (41.5%), and poor treatment outcome (28.3%) were the consequences of irrational SM practice. Students (87.6%) propose that extending SM awareness through the Ministry of Health (83%) and pharmaceutical companies (48%) as major platforms would improvise the rational practice. Since AlMaarefa University students will be future healthcare professionals, their perception must be considered and accordingly educated to practice rational SM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammed Jaber Al-Yamani
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sarah Abdulrahman Alajlan
- College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (L.M.A.); (S.E.A.); (R.I.A.); (A.F.A.); (Z.M.A.)
| | - Lamyaa Munahi Alqahtani
- College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (L.M.A.); (S.E.A.); (R.I.A.); (A.F.A.); (Z.M.A.)
| | - Shrouq Eid Alsuhimi
- College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (L.M.A.); (S.E.A.); (R.I.A.); (A.F.A.); (Z.M.A.)
| | - Razan Ibrahim Almuzaini
- College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (L.M.A.); (S.E.A.); (R.I.A.); (A.F.A.); (Z.M.A.)
| | - Abeer Fahad Albaqawi
- College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (L.M.A.); (S.E.A.); (R.I.A.); (A.F.A.); (Z.M.A.)
| | - Zahaa Majed Alshareef
- College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (L.M.A.); (S.E.A.); (R.I.A.); (A.F.A.); (Z.M.A.)
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Dhedhi NA, Ashraf H, Ansari NB, Iftikhar S. Self-medication among people visiting outpatient clinics of a Tertiary care hospital, Karachi. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 10:773-779. [PMID: 34041075 PMCID: PMC8138398 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1887_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: “Self-medication” is the self-use of medicines for treatment of illnesses. Inappropriate use of medicines without prescription leads to unwanted adverse effects, harmful drug interactions, and antibiotic resistance which is an emerging concern in developing countries due to escalating burden of infectious diseases. This study aims at identifying the frequency and contributing factors of self-medication, nature of illness, and types of medicines used without doctor's prescription. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Indus Hospital Karachi between March 2017 and December 2018. Two hundred and forty people of any age visiting the outpatient clinics of the Indus hospital consenting to participate were included. Whereas all clinicians including medical officers, specialists and consultants were excluded from the study. Results: Three-fifth (n = 147; 61.3%) of the participants reported that they did self-medication either for themselves or for their children in the past one year. The most common symptoms for which self-medication was done were fever (n = 82, 55.8%), cough/cold (n = 38; 25.8%) or diarrhea (n = 22; 15.0%). Out of which, 122 (83%) did self-medication based on their previous experience, 18 (12.2%) used previous doctor's prescriptions, whereas 22 (15%) reported that other people advised them. Education, presence of unused medicines at home, and those who have heard of antibiotic were found to be the significant risk factors associated with self-medication. Conclusion: Among Pakistani population, the frequency of self-medication is very high, with most people practicing self-medication on the basis of their previous experiences. It puts them at risk of experiencing adverse reactions and most importantly antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naseem Amin Dhedhi
- Family Physician, Indus Hospital, Indus Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hiba Ashraf
- Head of Department, Department of Family Medicine, Indus Hospital Research Centre (IHRC), Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Naila Baig Ansari
- Chairperson Indus Hospital Research Centre (IHRC), Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sundus Iftikhar
- Department of Statistics and Training at Indus Hospital Research Centre (IHRC), Indus Hospital, Indus Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
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Veiga P, Cavaco AM, Lapão LV, Guerreiro MP. Self-medication consultations in community pharmacy: an exploratory study on teams' performance, client-reported outcomes and satisfaction. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2021; 19:2138. [PMID: 33628343 PMCID: PMC7886312 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2021.1.2138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Community pharmacy teams (CPTs) have an established role in assisting
self-medication, contributing to the safe and effective use of
non-prescription medicines. Objective: The study aimed to describe CPTs’ performance in self-medication
consultation, client-reported outcomes, and satisfaction. A secondary
purpose was to develop an explanatory model for better understanding
clients’ satisfaction with this service. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional exploratory study. Data were collected in a
purposive sample of pharmacy clients recruited in six community pharmacies
in Portugal. CPTs adopted a structured approach to self-medication
consultations, encompassing 11 quality criteria (five for case evaluation
and six for counselling). An evaluation score, a counselling score and an
overall quality score were estimated. Client-reported outcomes and
satisfaction were ascertained via a follow-up telephone interview. Besides
descriptive statistics, the association with several independent variables
on the clients’ overall satisfaction was explored, using linear
regression. Results: Product-based dispensing was more frequent for lower educated clients.
Reported compliance with the criteria by CPTs was overall high
(93.95% of maximum compliance), mostly missing the ‘other
medication’ questioning. Most clients (93%) reported
improvement after the consultation. Clients’ satisfaction score was
4.70 out of 5. The variables that seem to better explain clients’
overall satisfaction are pharmacy loyalty, the evaluation score, and the
female gender. Conclusions: Clients’ reported outcomes were favourable, as well as satisfaction
with the service. Clients’ satisfaction appears to be determined by
consultation quality (evaluation score), suggesting the advancement of the
pharmacists’ clinical role. A larger study is warranted to confirm
these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Veiga
- PhD. Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon . Lisbon ( Portugal ).
| | - Afonso M Cavaco
- PhD. Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon . Lisbon ( Portugal ).
| | - Luís V Lapão
- PhD. Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), Comprehensive Healthcare Research Center (CHRC) & Research and Development Unit in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (UNIDEMI), Nova University Lisbon . Lisbon ( Portugal ).
| | - Mara P Guerreiro
- PhD. (CiiEM) Egas Moniz University Institute . Monte de Caparica ( Portugal ).
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Adane F, Seyoum G, Alamneh YM. Non-prescribed drug use and predictors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:4273-4284. [PMID: 33233996 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1849105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of non-prescribed drugs are common to pregnant women. It may lead to undesirable effects, such as birth defects. Study results on the occurrence and predictor of non-prescribed drug use among pregnant women throughout Ethiopia are highly variable and inconsistent. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of non-prescribed drug use and predictors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. METHODS We systematically searched studies from the international databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library and others. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata15. I2 test and Egger's test were used to assess the heterogeneity and publication bias respectively. The random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of non-prescribed drug use at a 95% CI. RESULTS Eleven studies with a total of 4492 pregnant women fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. The pooled national level non-prescribed drug use among pregnant women was 30.38% (95% CI: 20.28, 40.48). The highest use of non-prescribed drug among pregnant women was observed in Amhara region 36.71%, while the lowest was in Tigray region 9.67%, respectively. The most frequently consumed non prescribed drugs by pregnant mothers were paracetamol 34.38%, amoxicillin 14.73%, aspirin 4.25%, metronidazole 2.81% and ciprofloxacin 2.80%. Maternal previous history of self-medication, maternal illness during pregnancy and maternal marital status were significantly associated with women non-prescribed drug use during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS The overall prevalence of non- prescribed drug use among pregnant women in Ethiopia is relatively high, and varies across different regions. The most frequently consumed non- prescribed drug by pregnant mothers was paracetamol. Maternal; previous history of self-medication, illness during pregnancy and marital status were significantly associated with pregnant women non-prescribed drug use. Awareness of the possible side effects of taking non-prescribed drugs for all pregnant women is very relevant in the media and in the maternity ward. In particular, it is important to make clear to mothers who have a history of self-medication, to those who have a history of illness during pregnancy and to those who are pregnant, unmarried or divorced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fentahun Adane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Girma Seyoum
- Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yoseph Merkeb Alamneh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Simegn W, Dagnew B, Dagne H. Self-Medication Practice and Associated Factors Among Health Professionals at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:2539-2546. [PMID: 32801792 PMCID: PMC7399467 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s257667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication is the use of medication to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms. In the current time, there has been an increasing tendency in self-medication in pharmacies and retail outlets in our country Ethiopia and alarmingly high in healthcare professionals. In spite of the adverse impacts, there were scarcity of data on self-medication practice among health professionals in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the practice of self-medication and its determinant factors among health professionals at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A Cross-sectional study design was employed using a simple random sampling technique to recruit the study participants. We used self-administered questionnaires to collect the data. Epi Info 7 and SPSS 20 were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. Frequencies and mean with standard deviation were computed. Measure of association between self-medication and independent factors was determined using logistic regression. Variables with a p<0.05 were declared as determinant factors of self-medication practice. Results Four hundred and twelve health professionals were involved in the study with a mean age of 29.9 years (±5.43, range=20–60). In this study, self-medication practice was 54.6% (95% CI: 49.8–59.4). Health professionals who had worked less than 3 years after last graduation (AOR=1.67, 95% CI (1.02, 2.76)), those with 44–55 working hours per week (AOR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.07,5.57), and who knew over-the-counter classification of drugs (AOR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.03,2.99) had significantly higher self-medication practice. Conclusion Self-medication practice was remarkably high in the current study which is a major public health problem. The findings suggest a cooperative implementation of pharmaceutical regulations particularly focusing on those health professionals with high working hours per week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wudneh Simegn
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Baye Dagnew
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Gama ASM, Secoli SR. Self-medication practices in riverside communities in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. Rev Bras Enferm 2020; 73:e20190432. [PMID: 32667398 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to analyze the practice of self-medication and the associated factors in the riverside population of the Middle Solimões river region - Amazon rainforest. METHODS a cross-sectional population-based study conducted between April and July 2015, through interviews at home. RESULTS the prevalence of self-medication among the riverside population was 76.3%. Analgesics and antibacterials were the main therapeutic classes used in self-medication. Self-medication proved to be associated with the male gender, young people, not having sought the health service in the last month, longer commuting from the community to the urban area and the habit of consuming allopathic medicines on their own. CONCLUSIONS self-medication among the riverside population of Coari - Amazon may reflect the need to seek self-care by people, with the use of allopathic medicines without prescription, mainly due to the restricted access to health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Santiago Muri Gama
- Instituto de Saúde e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Coari, Amazonas, Brazil
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Subashini N, Udayanga L. Demographic, socio-economic and other associated risk factors for self-medication behaviour among university students of Sri Lanka: a cross sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:613. [PMID: 32366238 PMCID: PMC7197154 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08622-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-prescribing practices are considered as a significant issue in the health sector due to mal-practices. This has become a more worsen issue in developing countries with easy access to medication. Current study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of self-medication and to evaluate the driving factors behind this behavior, among university students of Sri Lanka. Method A total of 700 randomly selected undergraduates of three state universities in Sri Lanka, were recruited as the study population for the cross-sectional study. Information on socio-demographic, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices relevant to Self-Medication (SM) were gathered using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the Odds Ratios (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals of the OR for socio-demographic risk factors on SM. Results Around 78% of the studied population denoted a SM behaviour. Only, 37.7% of respondents were familiar with the classification of “Over the Counter” (OTC) drugs, while majority were well aware of the risks of SM (> 50%). Fever (61.3%) and cough (56.7%) were the major health issues for SM, while antipyretics and drugs for cough and runny nose (73.6%) were the mostly used medication. Previous experience (76%) and trivial nature of health issues (73%) were recognized as the major reasons for SM. Majority of respondents declared that community pharmacies (86.9%) and left over medication from previous prescriptions (51%) were the sources for SM. Based on the binary logistic regression, age, residence locality, field of study and academic year were recognized as significant risk factors (P < 0.05) for SM within the studied undergraduate population. Conclusion Based on the high prevalence rate of SM, the health authorities of Sri Lanka should pay more attention towards the wellbeing and responsible medication usage of undergraduates. Designing of effective tools and regulations to monitor the selling of medication and improving the health education are recommended to ensure responsible SM within the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirma Subashini
- Department of Horticulture & Landscape Gardening, Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management, Makadura, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Gonawila, Sri Lanka
| | - Lahiru Udayanga
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management, Makadura, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Gonawila, Sri Lanka.
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De Sanctis V, Soliman AT, Daar S, Di Maio S, Elalaily R, Fiscina B, Kattamis C. Prevalence, attitude and practice of self-medication among adolescents and the paradigm of dysmenorrhea self-care management in different countries. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:182-192. [PMID: 32191679 PMCID: PMC7569583 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i1.9242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Self-medication (SM) is an important worldwide public health issue affecting children and adolescents. The pattern of SM varies in different communities, affected by factors such as age, sex, income, expense, self-care orientation, educational level and medical knowledge. It is a fairly common practice: for minor health problems, it often provides cheap, rapid, and convenient solutions, outside of the health care system of many countries. Painkillers, antipyretics, cough medicines, cold preparations, dermatological products, nutritional supplements and antibiotics are the drugs most frequently used. Potential risks include incorrect self-diagnosis, improper dosage, inappropriate choice of therapy, masking of severe disease and drug interactions. Lack of awareness of warnings and precautions, storage conditions, the recommended shelf-life and adverse reactions increase the risk of side effects. Little is known about the SM of dysmenorrhea by adolescent girls. Attitudes towards treatment are influenced by cultural, ethnic, and religious factors. Some girls discuss dysmenorrhea with family and friends, and the majority may not seek medical advice. As dysmenorrhea is a common problem for adolescents, it is essential that these girls be aware of the normal and abnormal symptoms of menstruation. In the light of these findings, the roles of family, school, health professionals and health authorities are of utmost importance for the implementation of measures to approach this health problem in a more efficient way. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Sanctis
- Pediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Quisisana Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Ashraf T Soliman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Shahina Daar
- Department of Haematology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman.
| | - Salvatore Di Maio
- Emeritus Director in Pediatrics, Children's Hospital "Santobono-Pausilipon," Naples, Italy.
| | - Rania Elalaily
- Department of Primary Health Care, Abu Nakhla Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
| | | | - Christos Kattamis
- First Department of Paediatrics, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Babatunde O, Nwagha T. Analgesia Self-Medication practice and pentazocine dependency in adult sickle cell patients in Southeast Nigeria. NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/njm.njm_1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Gender Differences in Predictors of Self-Medication with Tranquillizers and Sleeping Pills: Results of the Population-Based Study in Serbia. Zdr Varst 2019; 59:47-56. [PMID: 32952703 PMCID: PMC7478080 DOI: 10.2478/sjph-2020-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies among the Serbian population concluded that the trend of self-medication with tranquillizers and sleeping pills requires deeper study. The objective is to identify gender differences in socio-demographic, health, and health service predictors of self-medication with tranquillizers and sleeping pills in a Serbian population of 15 years old and above. Methods This was a population-based, cross-sectional study. Data was extracted from the most recently available results of the Serbian National Health Survey of 2013. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent self-medication predictors. Results The study included 14,623 participants, of which 51.77% were female. While 5.6% of the females reported self-medication with tranquillizers and sleeping pills, only 2.2% of males reported such practice (p<0.001). The presence of chronic disease, stress, and physical pain in the last month before the interview was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of self-medication with observed drugs in both genders. Age was the most significant socio-demographic predictor of self-medication in females, while in males it was unemployment. Women of 55–65 years of age showed a greater risk from self-medication with tranquillizers and sleeping pills in comparison to women of 15–24 years of age (aOR=4.75, 95% CI: 1.83–12.33). Unemployed males showed a greater tendency for such practice in comparison to employed (aOR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.19–2.91). Conclusion The findings highlighted predictors of self-medication with tranquillizers and sleeping pills and important differences between genders, which may contribute to the design of gender-sensitive surveillance, identification, and the prevention of such undesirable practices through evidence-based and appropriately tailored public health actions.
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Tuyishimire J, Okoya F, Adebayo AY, Humura F, Lucero-Prisno Iii DE. Assessment of self-medication practices with antibiotics among undergraduate university students in Rwanda. Pan Afr Med J 2019; 33:307. [PMID: 31692864 PMCID: PMC6815470 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2019.33.307.18139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is on a rise as one of the major global public health threats. It is therefore important to assess contributory factors to the rise in the cases of resistance reported. The main objective of this study was to assess the self-medication practices with antibiotics among the University of Rwanda students in Huye Campus. Methods A sample of 570 students from all levels and colleges of the University of Rwanda in Huye Campus were selected using a simple random sampling to participate in this study. A questionnaire was administered to be answered individually by the consented respondents where the self-medication practices with antibiotics in the past 6 months were assessed. The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS v.16. Results The study showed that 12.1% (n=69) practiced self-medication with antibiotics. The major reason for self-medication with antibiotics was illness not serious to have a consultation (50.72%). The main diseases being treated were common cold/fever/cough (47.83%). The most used antibiotic for self-medication was Amoxicillin capsules (59.42%), while the main source of antibiotics was the community pharmacy (72.42%). Conclusion Self-medication with antibiotics is not uncommon among the university students. Regarding the main reasons of self-medication with antibiotics, diseases being treated, and the antibiotics used, it was found that all these may be related to the students' lack of knowledge about the need for rational use of antibiotics and a study was needed to confirm it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Funmbi Okoya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Nigeria
| | | | - Fabrice Humura
- International Pharmaceutical Federation, the Hague, Netherlands
| | - Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno Iii
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou,China.,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
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Beggi B, Aşık Z. Evaluation of Rational Drug Use in Patients Applying to Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic. ANKARA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.17098/amj.582021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Dapkevičiūtė A, Šapoka V, Martynova E, Pečeliūnas V. Time from Symptom Onset to Diagnosis and Treatment among Haematological Malignancies: Influencing Factors and Associated Negative Outcomes. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 55:E238. [PMID: 31163661 PMCID: PMC6631661 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55060238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Diagnostic delay causes unfavorable outcomes among cancer patients. It has been widely analyzed in solid tumors. However, data regarding hematological malignancies diagnostic delay are scarce. We aimed to evaluate diagnostic intervals, their influencing factors, and the negative effect on clinical outcomes among multiple myeloma and lymphoma patients. Materials and methods: One hundred patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma (n = 53) or lymphoma (n = 47) (ICD codes-C90, C81-C84) were asked to participate during their scheduled hematology consultations. Interval durations and the majority of influencing factors were assessed based on a face-to-face questionnaire. Data of disease characteristics were collected from medical records. Results: The median interval from symptom onset to registration for medical consultation was 30 (0-730) days, from registration to consultation 2 (0-30) days, from first consultation to diagnosis 73 (6-1779) days, and from diagnosis to treatment 5 (0-97) days. Overall time to diagnosis median was 151 (23-1800) days. Factors significantly prolonging diagnostic intervals in multivariate linear regression were living in big cities (p = 0.008), anxiety and depression (p = 0.002), self-medication (p = 0.019), and more specialists seen before diagnosis (p = 0.022). Longer diagnostic intervals resulted in higher incidences of multiple myeloma complications (p = 0.024) and more advanced Durie-Salmon stage (p = 0.049), but not ISS stage and Ann-Arbor staging systems for lymphomas. Conclusion: Median overall diagnostic delay was nearly 5 months, indicating that there is room for improvement. The most important factors causing delays were living in big cities, anxiety and depression, self-medication, and more specialists seen before diagnosis. Diagnostic delay may have a negative influence on clinical outcomes for multiple myeloma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austėja Dapkevičiūtė
- Haematology, Oncology and Transfusion Medicine Centre, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Virginijus Šapoka
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Elena Martynova
- Quantitative Psychology Program, University of Virginia, 485 McCormick Road Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
| | - Valdas Pečeliūnas
- Haematology, Oncology and Transfusion Medicine Centre, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, Santariškių 2, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Secoli SR, Marquesini EA, Fabretti SDC, Corona LP, Romano-Lieber NS. Self-medication practice trend among the Brazilian elderly between 2006 and 2010: SABE Study. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2019; 21Suppl 02:e180007. [PMID: 30726352 DOI: 10.1590/1980-549720180007.supl.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-medication involves the concept of the spontaneous search by the individual for some drug that he or she considers appropriate to solve a health problem. Self-medication practice is little explored by the elderly according to other studies based in population data. OBJECTIVE To examine the trends in self-medication practice among the Brazilian elderly between 2006 and 2010. METHODS This is a population-based study whose data were obtained from the Health, Well-being and Ageing Study (SABE Study). Thesample consisted of 1,257 elderly people in 2006 and 865 in 2010, who used drugs. RESULTS The findings showed self-medication reduction from 42.3% in 2006 to 18.2% in 2010. In both periods, predominant utilized therapeutic classes were those acting on the nervous system (27.9% in 2006, and 29.6% in 2010) and on the alimentary tract and metabolism (25.5% in 2006, and 35.9% in 2010). The most commonly used medicines in 2006 and 2010 were analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and vitamins. There was a tendency to decrease the use of potentially inappropriate medicines between 2006 (26.4%) and 2010 (18.1%). The elderly themselves were the main responsible for the decision about the drug use in 2006 (62.5%) and 2010 (66.5%). CONCLUSION Theextent of self-medication practice among the elderly who participated in the study decreased between 2006 and 2010, but the use of medicines that offer risks to health was still reported. Thus, the findings reinforce the importance of monitoring, evaluating, and continuously educating the elderly about risks and benefits of drug consumption, particularly over-the-counter medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Regina Secoli
- Departamento de Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de São Paulo - São Paulo (SP), Brasil
| | | | - Sandra de Carvalho Fabretti
- Departamento de Prática de Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo - São Paulo (SP), Brasil
| | - Ligiana Pires Corona
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo - São Paulo (SP), Brasil
| | - Nicolina Silvana Romano-Lieber
- Departamento de Prática de Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo - São Paulo (SP), Brasil
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Lescure D, Paget J, Schellevis F, van Dijk L. Determinants of Self-Medication With Antibiotics in European and Anglo-Saxon Countries: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Front Public Health 2018; 6:370. [PMID: 30619809 PMCID: PMC6304439 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Self-medication with antibiotics, which comes in different forms [e.g., leftover or over-the-counter (OTC) use], contributes to antimicrobial resistance as it often happens in a non-prudent manner. In order to tackle this persistent public health problem, its drivers need to be known. The aim of this study was therefore to identify determinants of self-medication with antibiotics via a systematic literature review. Methods: A comprehensive search on determinants of self-medication with antibiotics in the ambulatory care was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for studies published between January 2000 and March 2017. There was no limit on the language nor on the type of study. The search was restricted to European and Anglo-Saxon countries. Pairs of reviewers independently screened the abstracts and full texts and performed a quality assessment. Results: From the initial 664 abstracts, 54 publications that included 44 countries were retrieved of which most identified patient related determinants. Important determinants include storing antibiotics at home, poor access to healthcare, and having the intention to self-medicate. Healthcare professionals contribute to the practice of self-medication when catering for demanding and socially vulnerable patients. Healthcare system related determinants include dispensing antibiotics in whole packages and the lack of enforcement of medicine regulations. For some determinants (e.g., patients' age) contradictory results were found. Conclusion: Self-medication with antibiotics is driven by a variety of determinants on the patient, healthcare professional, and system levels. Policy makers should recognise the complexity of self-medication in order to develop multifaceted interventions that target healthcare professionals and patients simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Lescure
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - John Paget
- Department of Primary Care, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Francois Schellevis
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, Netherlands.,EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Liset van Dijk
- Department of Primary Care, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, Netherlands
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Vanhaesebrouck A, Vuillermoz C, Robert S, Parizot I, Chauvin P. Who self-medicates? Results from structural equation modeling in the Greater Paris area, France. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208632. [PMID: 30557334 PMCID: PMC6296538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to describe the prevalence of self-medication among the Paris adult population and to identify the factors associated with self-medication. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was based on data collected from the SIRS cohort (a French acronym for "Health, inequalities and social ruptures") in 2005 in the Paris metropolitan area using a face-to-face administration questionnaire among a representative sample of 3,023 French-speaking adults. Structural equation models were used to investigate the factors associated with self-medication in the overall population and according to income. RESULTS The prevalence of self-medication in the past four weeks was 53.5% in the Paris metropolitan area. Seven factors were directly associated with self-medication in the structural equation model. Self-medication was found more common among women, young people, in active employment or student, with a high income, but also among people with a health information seeking behavior, with a high daily mobility, and/or with a history of unmet healthcare needs due to economic reasons. When looking at these coefficients according to income, the association between self-medication and daily mobility appeared stronger in the bottom quartile of income whereas it was no longer significant in the rest of the survey population. CONCLUSION Self-medication is a frequent practice in the Paris metropolitan area. This study confirms the role of some factors found to be associated with self-medication in the literature such as age or gender and draws attention to other factors rarely explored such as daily mobility, especially among people with a low income, or health information seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Vanhaesebrouck
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (UMRS 1136), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - C. Vuillermoz
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (UMRS 1136), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Research team on social inequalities, Centre Maurice Halbwachs (UMR 8097), CNRS, EHESS, ENS, Paris, France
| | - S. Robert
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (UMRS 1136), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Department of General Practice, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - I. Parizot
- Research team on social inequalities, Centre Maurice Halbwachs (UMR 8097), CNRS, EHESS, ENS, Paris, France
| | - P. Chauvin
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (UMRS 1136), INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Setiadi AP, Wibowo Y, Setiawan E, Presley B, Mulyono I, Wardhani AS, Sunderland B. Evaluation of a community-based training to promote responsible self-medication in East Java, Indonesia†. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2018; 27:63-70. [DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
To explore pharmacist/pharmacy staff trainers’ perspectives on conducting community-based training to promote responsible self-medication, and to evaluate knowledge gained among community representatives participating in the training.
Methods
Training was conducted in four districts/cities in East Java, Indonesia in 2016. A pre-test/post-test study was used to evaluate the knowledge of 129 community representatives (participants) before/after the training; pre-test and post-test scores as well as absolute gain were determined. Four focus group discussions with 20 pharmacist/pharmacy staff (trainers) were conducted after the training, and the data were thematically analysed.
Key findings
Overall mean test scores for community representatives significantly improved from 14.11 to 15.70 after the training (P < 0.001). The average total absolute gain was 1.85 (95% CI 1.29 to 2.39). To reach local communities, trainers suggested improvements to the content and structure of the module, training aids, trainer competency, approach and time allocation.
Conclusions
Community-based training provides a potential strategy to improve community knowledge of medications. Findings from this study should inform strategies for a broader uptake amongst local communities in Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adji P Setiadi
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
| | - Yosi Wibowo
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
| | - Eko Setiawan
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
| | - Bobby Presley
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
| | - Ika Mulyono
- Centre for Medicines Information and Pharmaceutical Care (CMIPC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
| | - Ari S Wardhani
- East Java Provincial Health Office, Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
| | - Bruce Sunderland
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA, Australia
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Tripković K, Nešković A, Janković J, Odalović M. Predictors of self-medication in Serbian adult population: cross-sectional study. Int J Clin Pharm 2018; 40:627-634. [DOI: 10.1007/s11096-018-0624-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Aldeeri A, Alzaid H, Alshunaiber R, Meaigel S, Shaheen NA, Adlan A. Patterns of Self-Medication Behavior for Oral Health Problems Among Adults Living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PHARMACY 2018; 6:E15. [PMID: 29389869 PMCID: PMC5874554 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy6010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-medication is a widespread behavior worldwide. It is defined as the practice of self-diagnosis and drug prescription without proper professional consultation. Aim: To determine the prevalence and predictors of self-medication for oral health problems among adults living in Riyadh city. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a structured close-ended questionnaire was distributed among adults visiting shopping malls in all different five regions of Riyadh. A two-stage sampling technique was used: cluster and simple random sampling. The questionnaire was composed of two main sections: demographic characteristics and questions assessing the behavior of self-medication. Results: The prevalence of self-medication was found to be 63.25%, with a higher prevalence among females than males. Gender and nationality were significantly associated with self-medication. Salt in hot water locally (52.57%) and acetaminophen (47.43%), a type of an analgesic, were, systemically, the most frequently used. Pharmacy shops were the main source of these medicaments (66.01%). Similarly, the advice for using them was mainly given by pharmacists (53.36%). Lack of time was claimed to be the main reason for practicing self-medication (54.55%) with abscess, toothache, and gingival bleeding being the main predictors. Conclusions: Self-medication was found to be a common practice among the population of Riyadh city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Aldeeri
- College of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh 12734, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Haya Alzaid
- College of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh 12734, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Renad Alshunaiber
- College of Dentistry, King Saud Bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 14811, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shahad Meaigel
- College of Dentistry, King Saud Bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 14811, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Naila A Shaheen
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 14611, Saudi Arabia.
- King Saud Bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 14811, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdallah Adlan
- King Saud Bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 14811, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Biomedical Ethics, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 14611, Saudi Arabia.
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Seam MOR, Bhatta R, Saha BL, Das A, Hossain MM, Uddin SMN, Karmakar P, Choudhuri MSK, Sattar MM. Assessing the Perceptions and Practice of Self-Medication among Bangladeshi Undergraduate Pharmacy Students. PHARMACY 2018; 6:pharmacy6010006. [PMID: 29342983 PMCID: PMC5874545 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy6010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the perceptions and extent of practicing self-medication among undergraduate pharmacy students. Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted over a six month period (January to June 2016) among undergraduate pharmacy students in five reputable public universities of Bangladesh. It involved face-to-face interviews regarding self-medication of 250 respondents selected by simple random sampling. Results: Self-medication was reported by 88.0% of students. Antipyretics (58.40%) were mostly preferred for the treatment of fever and headaches. The major cause for self-medication was minor illness (59.60%, p = 0.73) while previous prescriptions were the main source of knowledge as well as the major factor (52.80%, p = 0.94) dominating the self-medication practice. The results also demonstrated 88.80% of students had previous knowledge on self-medication and 83.60% of students always checked the information on the label; mainly the expiry date before use (85.60%). A significant (p < 0.05) portion of the students (51% male and 43% female) perceived it was an acceptable practice as they considered self-medication to be a segment of self-care. Furthermore, students demonstrated differences in their response level towards the adverse effect of drugs, the health hazard by a higher dose of drug, a physician’s help in case of side effects, taking medicine without proper knowledge, and stopping selling medicine without prescription. Conclusions: Self-medication was commonly used among pharmacy students primarily for minor illnesses using over-the-counter medications. Although it is an inevitable practice for them it should be considered an important public health problem as this practice may increase the misuse or irrational use of medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Omar Reza Seam
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Rita Bhatta
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Bijoy Laxmi Saha
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Abhijit Das
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Monir Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - S M Naim Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh.
| | - Palash Karmakar
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh.
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Chang J, Wang Q, Fang Y. Socioeconomic differences in self-medication among middle-aged and older people: data from the China health and retirement longitudinal study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017306. [PMID: 29259056 PMCID: PMC5778336 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Self-medication with over-the-counter medicines (OTCs) and prescription-only medicines (POMs) are both pervasive in China, although the latter is an inappropriate practice. We examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and self-medication with OTCs versus POMs. METHODS Multivariate logistic regressions based on the Andersen framework were estimated using a subsample of respondents aged 45 years and over from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study collected between 2011 and 2013 (n=23 699). As dependent variables, we used OTC and POM consumption without a medical prescription. SES was operationalised by household income per capita and education. Control variables included health indicators, demographic characteristics, and health behaviours. RESULTS In our study sample, 32.69% and 15.02% of people aged 45 years and over had self-medicated with OTCs and POMs in the 4 weeks before the survey, respectively. OTC use by income exhibited an inverse U shape. Respondents from middle income groups were more likely to self-medicate with OTCs compared with those from the lowest and highest income groups. In contrast, respondents from the lowest income group were more inclined to self-medicate with POMs. There was a clear trend towards more self-medication with OTCs, but not POMs, among those with higher educational attainment. CONCLUSION People with low income tended to rely on self-medication with POMs for treatment, which is risky and of low quality. A health education programme for older people, particularly those living in low-income households, aimed at improving the quality of self-medication behaviour is warranted. Urgent measures are needed to address the issue of easy access to POMs at community pharmacies, and to improve access to formal medical care among the low-income population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qing Wang
- School of Business, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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Damnjanović I, Kitić D, Stefanović N, Zlatković–Guberinić S, Catić–Đorđević A, Veličković–Radovanović R. THE USE OF HERBAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN DIABETIC PATIENTS: ROLE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. ACTA MEDICA MEDIANAE 2017. [DOI: 10.5633/amm.2017.0404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Niclós G, Olivar T, Rodilla V. Factors associated with self-medication in Spain: a cross-sectional study in different age groups. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2017; 26:258-266. [DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The identification of factors which may influence a patient’s decision to self-medicate.
Methods
Descriptive, cross-sectional study of the adult population (at least 16 years old), using data from the 2009 European Health Interview Survey in Spain, which included 22 188 subjects. Logistic regression models enabled us to estimate the effect of each analysed variable on self-medication.
Key findings
In total, 14 863 (67%) individuals reported using medication (prescribed and non-prescribed) and 3274 (22.0%) of them self-medicated. Using logistic regression and stratifying by age, four different models have been constructed. Our results include different variables in each of the models to explain self-medication, but the one that appears on all four models is education level. Age is the other important factor which influences self-medication. Self-medication is strongly associated with factors related to socio-demographic, such as sex, educational level or age, as well as several health factors such as long-standing illness or physical activity.
Conclusions
When our data are compared to those from previous Spanish surveys carried out in 2003 and 2006, we can conclude that self-medication is increasing in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracia Niclós
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa Olivar
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicent Rodilla
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
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Mustafa OM, Rohra DK. Patterns and determinants of self-medication among university students in Saudi Arabia. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jphs.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dileep K. Rohra
- Department of Pharmacology; College of Medicine; Alfaisal University; Riyadh Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-medication patterns vary among different populations, and are influenced by many factors. No review has been done that comprehensively expresses self-medication practice in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the literature on self-medication practice in Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Hinari) were searched for published studies on the practice of self-medication in Ethiopia without restriction in the year of publication or methodology. Some studies were also identified through manual Google search. Primary search terms were "self medication", "Ethiopia", "self care", "non-prescription", "OTC drug use", "drug utilization", and "drug hoarding". Studies that measured knowledge only or attitude only or beliefs only and did not determine the practice of self-medication were excluded. RESULTS The database search produced a total of 450 papers. After adjustment for duplicates and inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were found suitable for the review. All studies were cross-sectional in nature. The prevalence of self-medication varied from 12.8% to 77.1%, with an average of 36.8%. Fever/headache, gastrointestinal tract diseases, and respiratory diseases were the commonest illnesses/symptoms for which self-medication was taken. The major reasons for practicing self-medication were previous experience of treating a similar illness and feeling that the illness was mild. Analgesics/antipyretics, antimicrobials, gastrointestinal drugs, and respiratory drugs were the common drug classes used in self-medication. Mainly, these drugs were obtained from drug-retail outlets. The use of self-medication was commonly suggested by pharmacy professionals and friends/relatives. CONCLUSION Self-medication practice is prevalent in Ethiopia and varies in different populations and regions of the country. Some of the self-medication practices are harmful and need prompt action. Special attention should be given to educating the public and health care providers on the types of illnesses that can be self-diagnosed and self-treated and the types of drugs to be used for self-medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Biset Ayalew
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Mohammed Biset Ayalew, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, PO Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, Tel +251 93 949 6171, Email
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Abstract
Objective: To describe the status and outline the trends of community pharmacy services in the Portuguese healthcare system. Findings: The legal framework for Portuguese pharmacies includes geographic and demographic criteria for opening pharmacies and restricting ownership to pharmacists. Since 1975, pharmacy owners have been organized under one association, the Portuguese National Pharmacy Association, which has dealt with pharmacy development over the past 20 years. Securing the economic sustainability of pharmacies was the first milestone. Investing in information software and communication technologies and modernizing the architecture of pharmacies was the next step. Then, professional services such as point-of-care measurements, drug waste management, and needle exchange services were developed. The methadone substitution program was introduced at a later date. Finally, major comprehensive services, including disease management/pharmaceutical care programs, were implemented. Discussion: All Portuguese pharmacies are independent, which means that the decision to provide different services and the extent to which they are attained vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. Recent political changes seem to reinforce the need to pursue the strategies already defined—to expand the traditional scope of pharmacy business to a wider range of health services. Conclusions: Achievements that have been accomplished and strategies that are in place reflect a high level of organization and unity among Portuguese pharmacies. From a global perspective, pharmacies are reorganizing to be able to compete against other possible agents and are preparing to expand their scope of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzete Costa
- Department of Pharmacy-based Disease Management Programs, Portuguese National Association of Pharmacies, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Aljadhey H, Assiri GA, Mahmoud MA, Al-Aqeel S, Murray M. Self-medication in Central Saudi Arabia. Community pharmacy consumers' perspectives. Saudi Med J 2015; 36:328-34. [PMID: 25737176 PMCID: PMC4381018 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2015.3.10523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of self-medication and assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perception of consumers toward self-medication. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted over 4 weeks in May 2011 in Riyadh city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Community pharmacies within 5 areas of the city (North, South, West, East, and Middle) were randomly selected for the study. All consumers were approached to participate in the study, with the exception of those buying cosmetic and medicinal equipments. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: A total of 538 out of 707 consumers attending community pharmacies in Riyadh city, agreed to participate in the study. Most responders were male (73%), 23-33 years old (35%), and college graduates (42%). A total of 285 medications were bought without a prescription. Of these, 149 (49%) medications should be dispensed by prescription only, and 155 (51%) were over the counter medications. The most common prescription medications dispensed without prescriptions were antibiotics (22%) and analgesics/antipyretics (19%). The most common reasons for buying medications without a prescription were that the symptoms were too minor to visit a doctor (54%), time saving (40%), and minor illnesses for which the participants knew the required treatment (40%). Overall, most participants had poor knowledge, and negative perceptions regarding self-medication. More than 68% of participants did not know whether the medicine they bought is a prescription-only or over the counter medication. Conclusion: Irresponsible self-medication is common in Saudi Arabia. Future studies should focus on improving the consumers’ awareness of self-medication and the proper use of medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham Aljadhey
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, PO Box 2475, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail.
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Quality of assessment and counselling offered by community pharmacists and medication sale without prescription to patients presenting with acute cardiac symptoms: a simulated client study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 72:321-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-015-1981-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Ocan M, Obuku EA, Bwanga F, Akena D, Richard S, Ogwal-Okeng J, Obua C. Household antimicrobial self-medication: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the burden, risk factors and outcomes in developing countries. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:742. [PMID: 26231758 PMCID: PMC4522083 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2109-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial self-medication is common in most low and middle income countries (LMICs). However there has been no systematic review on non-prescription antimicrobial use in these settings. This review thus intended to establish the burden, risk factors and effects of antimicrobial self-medication in Low and Middle Income Countries. METHODS In 2012, we registered a systematic review protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42012002508). We searched PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases using the following terms; "self-medication", "non-prescription", 'self-treatment', "antimicrobial", "antimalarial", "antibiotic", "antibacterial" "2002-2012" and combining them using Boolean operators. We performed independent and duplicate screening and abstraction of study administrative data, prevalence, determinants, type of antimicrobial agent, source, disease conditions, inappropriate use, drug adverse events and clinical outcomes of antibiotic self-medication where possible. We performed a Random Effects Meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of thirty four (34) studies involving 31,340 participants were included in the review. The overall prevalence of antimicrobial self-medication was 38.8 % (95 % CI: 29.5-48.1). Most studies assessed non-prescription use of antibacterial (17/34: 50 %) and antimalarial (5/34: 14.7 %) agents. The common disease symptoms managed were, respiratory (50 %), fever (47 %) and gastrointestinal (45 %). The major sources of antimicrobials included, pharmacies (65.5 %), leftover drugs (50 %) and drug shops (37.5 %). Twelve (12) studies reported inappropriate drug use; not completing dose (6/12) and sharing of medicines (4/12). The main determinants of antimicrobial self-medication include, level of education, age, gender, past successful use, severity of illness and income. Reported negative outcomes of antimicrobial self-medication included, allergies (2/34: 5.9 %), lack of cure (4/34: 11.8 %) and causing death (2/34: 5.9 %). The commonly reported positive outcome was recovery from illness (4/34: 11.8 %). CONCLUSION The prevalence of antimicrobial self-medication is high and varies in different communities as well as by social determinants of health and is frequently associated with inappropriate drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Ocan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Ekwaro A Obuku
- Africa Centre for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Freddie Bwanga
- Department of Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Dickens Akena
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Sennono Richard
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Jasper Ogwal-Okeng
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Celestino Obua
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
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Rutter P. Role of community pharmacists in patients' self-care and self-medication. INTEGRATED PHARMACY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2015; 4:57-65. [PMID: 29354520 PMCID: PMC5741028 DOI: 10.2147/iprp.s70403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This review highlights the growing prominence of self-care and explores the contribution of community pharmacy. Firstly, background to self-care is discussed, followed by placing self-care in context with regard to the general public and accessing community pharmacy. From this perspective the contribution community pharmacy currently makes is assessed, paying particular attention to the factors that negatively impact on the ability of community pharmacy to facilitate self-care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Rutter
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
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Primary non-adherence in Portugal: findings and implications. Int J Clin Pharm 2015; 37:626-35. [PMID: 25832675 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-015-0108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portugal is currently facing a serious economic and financial crisis, which is dictating some important changes in the health care sector. Some of these measures may potentially influence patients' access to medication and consequently adherence, which will ultimately impact on health status, especially in chronic patients. AIMS This study aimed at providing a snapshot of adherence in patients with chronic conditions in Portugal between March and April 2012. SETTING Community pharmacy in Portugal. METHOD A cross-sectional pilot study was undertaken, where patients were recruited via community pharmacies to a questionnaire study evaluating the number of prescribed and purchased drugs and, when these figures were inconsistent, the reasons for this. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary and secondary adherence measures. Failing to purchase prescription items was categorized as primary nonadherence. Secondary nonadherence was attributed to purchasing prescription items, but not taking medicines as prescribed. RESULTS Data were collected from 375 patients. Primary nonadherence was identified in 22.8 % of patients. Regardless of the underlying condition, the most commonly reported reason for primary non-adherence was having spare medicines at home ("leftovers"), followed by financial problems. The latter appeared to be related to the class of medicines prescribed. Primary non-adherence was associated with low income (<475 <euro>/month; p = 0.026). Secondary non-adherence, assessed by the 7-MMAS was detected in over 50 % of all patients, where unintentional nonadherence was higher than intentional nonadherence across all disease conditions. CONCLUSION This study revealed that more than one fifth of chronic medication users report primary nonadherence (22.8 %) and more than 50 % report secondary nonadherence. Data indicates that the existence of spare medicines and financial constraints occurred were the two most frequent reasons cited for nonadherence (47, 6-64, 8 and 19-45.5 %, depending on the major underlying condition, respectively).
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Self-medication practices among parents in Italy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:580650. [PMID: 25688359 PMCID: PMC4320888 DOI: 10.1155/2015/580650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this cross-sectional survey were to document the prevalence, the determinants, and the reasons of oral medication use without the prescription of a physician among a random sample of 672 parents of students attending randomly selected public schools in Italy. A total of 69.2% practiced self-medication at least once. The odds of having performed a self-medication were higher in females, in younger population, and in those who have had a health problem in the preceding year and were lower in respondents with a middle or lower school level of education. Among those reporting experience of self-medication, 53.4% have practiced at least once in the last year and this was more likely for those who have had a health problem. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were more frequently used without a prescription in the last year. Two-thirds inappropriately self-medicated in the last year at least once. Of those who did not report a self-medication, 13.1% were willing to practice it. Females were more willing and those with a secondary school level of education less willing to practice self-medication. The frequency of oral self-medication was quite high and in most cases inappropriate with a potential impact on the health status and educative programs are needed.
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Roque F, Soares S, Breitenfeld L, Figueiras A, Herdeiro MT. Influence of community pharmacists׳ attitudes on antibiotic dispensing behavior: a cross-sectional study in Portugal. Clin Ther 2014; 37:168-77. [PMID: 25482306 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The emergence of microbial resistance is widely associated with inappropriate antibiotic use. Self-medication with antibiotics acquired directly from pharmacies without a medical prescription has been reported by several European countries as being an important cause of such inappropriate use. The goal of this study was to identify and evaluate community pharmacists׳ attitudes toward and knowledge of antibiotics and microbial resistance and to assess what influence, if any, these attitudes might have on their propensity to dispense unprescribed antibiotics. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study covering all community pharmacists registered with the Official College of Pharmacists in Portugal׳s Central Region. A self-administered questionnaire on attitudes toward microbial resistance and antibiotic use was mailed to 1197 pharmacists. Responses ranged from 0 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). Logistic regression was used to model the association between respondents׳ attitudes and their propensity to dispense antibiotics without an earlier medical prescription. FINDINGS The overall response rate was 64.8%. Agreement with the dispensing of unprescribed antibiotics was highest in the case of dental diseases and ailments, followed by urinary tract infections. Although none of the sociodemographic data were associated with a propensity to dispense antibiotics without a medical prescription, the attitudes shown to be significantly associated with this propensity were complacency about patients, responsibility of others, and precaution or fear. IMPLICATIONS Because the attitudes of community pharmacists can influence their readiness to dispense unprescribed antibiotics, educational interventions addressing such attitudes should be implemented to improve antibiotic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Roque
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Centre for Cell Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Sara Soares
- Centre for Cell Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luiza Breitenfeld
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Adolfo Figueiras
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Herdeiro
- Centre for Cell Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; CESPU, Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Science and Technologies, Gandra, Portugal.
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Bertoldi AD, Camargo AL, Silveira MPT, Menezes AM, Assunção MCF, Gonçalves H, Hallal PC. Self-medication among adolescents aged 18 years: the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study. J Adolesc Health 2014; 55:175-81. [PMID: 24713443 PMCID: PMC4104043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the point prevalence of self-medication among adolescents aged 18 years and to evaluate the type of drugs used (either over-the-counter or prescription drugs) and socioeconomic, health-related, and behavioral correlates of self-medication. METHODS This cross-sectional study used data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Data were obtained through the administration of a questionnaire to adolescents aged 18 years. The outcome variables were point prevalence of medicine use and self-medication collected by self-report. The independent variables studied were gender, continuous medicine use, socioeconomic status, schooling, self-rated health, body mass index, and physical activity levels. Medicines were classified into therapeutic groups according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. RESULTS A total of 4,106 adolescents were interviewed. The point prevalence of medicine use was 41.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39.6-42.6), and the proportion of self-medication among medicine users was 65.1% (95% CI 62.8-67.4). The point prevalence of self-medication was 26.7% (95% CI 25.4-28.1), and it was higher among female adolescents, those more educated, and those who rated their health as poor. Out of the drugs used for self-medication (58% of all drugs used), 1,003 (78.7%) were nonprescription drugs and 271 (21.3%) were prescription drugs. The most frequently used drugs for self-medication were analgesics (56.1%), systemic antihistamines (7.4%), and anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products (7.1%). CONCLUSIONS A high point prevalence of self-medication was found among adolescents, which is particularly concerning due to high use of prescription drugs for self-medication. Interventions are needed to promote rational use of medicines in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Dâmaso Bertoldi
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Aline Lins Camargo
- Department of Pharmacosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marysabel Pinto Telis Silveira
- Institute of Biology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana M.B. Menezes
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Helen Gonçalves
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Pedro Curi Hallal
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Coelho RB, Costa FA. Impact of pharmaceutical counseling in minor health problems in rural Portugal. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2014; 12:451. [PMID: 25580167 PMCID: PMC4282762 DOI: 10.4321/s1886-36552014000400002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of self-medication and to evaluate the clinical impact of pharmaceutical counseling. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used with a prospective component, the latter to evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical counseling. The study was conducted in a rural community pharmacy for 14 consecutive days in December 2012, recruiting all individuals who agreed to participate and met the eligibility criteria. During a face-to-face direct interview demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were registered, followed by a pharmaceutical intervention, which consisted of evaluating the symptoms, selecting the most appropriate non-prescription medicine (NPM) available and advising the patient on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic measures, all according to established protocols for minor health problems. When appropriate, the patient was referred to a medical appointment. One week later, the clinical outcome of such intervention was measured by asking the patients about the resolution of their minor health problems. Results: Data from 298 patients were analyzed, the majority being female (60.1%) with an average age of 44.84 years (SD=22.41). Respiratory problems were the most frequent (n=78; 26.2%) and respiratory tract medication was the most frequently indicated (n= 77; 27.8%). The observed prevalence of self-medication was 40.7%. Of the 271 patients’ beneficiaries of pharmaceutical counseling, 86.8% had their minor health problems solved after one week (ranging from 77.5% to 88.2% according to a sensibility analysis for drop-outs). Conclusions: This work is important as it demonstrates the beneficial impact of pharmaceutical counseling, a very relevant area for the pharmacist and where literature is particularly scarce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel B Coelho
- Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Pharmaceutical Care Specialist Pharmacy in Pharmaceutical Alfeirao. Vila Nova de Milfontes ( Portugal ).
| | - Filipa A Costa
- Higher Institute of Health Sciences Egas Moniz . Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Egas Moniz (CiiEM). Almada ( Portugal ).
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Roque F, Soares S, Breitenfeld L, Gonzalez-Gonzalez C, Figueiras A, Herdeiro MT. Portuguese community pharmacists' attitudes to and knowledge of antibiotic misuse: questionnaire development and reliability. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90470. [PMID: 24599387 PMCID: PMC3943963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and evaluate the reliability of a self-administered questionnaire designed to assess the attitudes and knowledge of community pharmacists in Portugal about microbial resistance and the antibiotic dispensing process. METHODS This study was divided into the following three stages: (1) design of the questionnaire, which included a literature review and a qualitative study with focus-group sessions; (2) assessment of face and content validity, using a panel of experts and a pre-test of community pharmacists; and, (3) pilot study and reliability analysis, which included a test-retest study covering fifty practising pharmacists based at community pharmacies in five districts situated in Northern Portugal. Questionnaire reproducibility was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC; 95% confidence interval) computed by means of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS The correlation coefficients were fair to good (ICC>0.4) for all statements (scale-items) regarding knowledge of and attitudes to antibiotic resistance, and ranged from fair to good to excellent for statements about situations in which pharmacists acknowledged that antibiotics were sometimes dispensed without a medical prescription (ICC>0.8). Cronbach's alpha for this section was 0.716. CONCLUSIONS The questionnaire designed in this study is valid and reliable in terms of content validity, face validity and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Roque
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS/UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
- Centre for Cell Biology, University of Aveiro (CBC/UA), Aveiro, Portugal
- Research Unit for Inland Development, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda (UDI/IPG), Guarda, Portugal
| | - Sara Soares
- Centre for Cell Biology, University of Aveiro (CBC/UA), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luiza Breitenfeld
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS/UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cristian Gonzalez-Gonzalez
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de compostela, Spain
| | - Adolfo Figueiras
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de compostela, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Herdeiro
- Centre for Cell Biology, University of Aveiro (CBC/UA), Aveiro, Portugal
- Centre for Health Technology & Information Systems Research (CINTESIS/FMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Health Technology Research Centre (CITS/CESPU), Gandra, Portugal
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Sharifi A, Sharifi H, Karamouzian M, Mokhtari M, Esmaeili HH, Nejad AS, Rahmatian M. Topical ocular anesthetic abuse among Iranian welders: time for action. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol 2014; 20:336-40. [PMID: 24339685 PMCID: PMC3841953 DOI: 10.4103/0974-9233.120023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of topical ocular anesthetic abuse among welders in Iran and suggest public health solutions for this issue. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 390 welders were randomly recruited and queried on the use of anesthetic drops. A questionnaire was administered through structured one-on-one interviews conducted by the first author. Results: A total of 314 welders (80.5%) declared that they had used topical anesthetics at least once during their working lives. Almost 90% of them stated a preference for self-treatment over seeking help from a physician due to cultural and financial reasons. The most commonly used topical anesthetic was tetracaine. Most of the subjects (97.4%) had obtained the drugs from pharmacies without a prescription. Conclusions: The prevalence of topical ocular anesthetic abuse among welders in Iran is alarmingly high and may partially be due to cultural issues. Although most physicians are aware that topical anesthetics should only be used as a diagnostic tool, there is a crucial need to re-emphasize the ocular risks associated with chronic use of these medications. Educational programs for both physicians and the public are necessary to address the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sharifi
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Flaiti MA, Badi KA, Hakami WO, Khan SA. Evaluation of self-medication practices in acute diseases among university students in Oman. JOURNAL OF ACUTE DISEASE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s2221-6189(14)60056-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Zaghloul AA, Elsergany M, El-Enein NA, Alsuwaidi H, Ayoub M. Over-the-counter medication patterns in households in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2013; 7:19-24. [PMID: 24403846 PMCID: PMC3883161 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s55752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication and acquisition of over-the-counter (OTC) medications are emerging community health issues. Besides being a cheap alternative for treating common illnesses, the behavior entails serious ramifications, such as medication wastage, increasing pathogen resistance, and adverse drug reactions. The present study was conducted to explore the extent of OTC medications in households in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), including native UAE and expatriate families. Methods The study employed a population-based, cross-sectional, analytical study design. The study population included native and expatriate households residing in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. The snowball sampling technique was used, and the sample included a total of 335 households. Results Expatriate households acquired more OTC medications than did native households (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.7). The demographic determinants for expatriate households were number of family members (aOR=1.6), age of children in the family (aOR=1.8), and annual income (aOR=0.5). Expatriate households purchased more OTC medication practices than did native households (aOR=2.2). In the statistical sense, expatriate household practices were buying medication upon relatives’ advice (aOR=0.3), storage condition of medication (aOR=2.4), and disposal of expired medication (aOR=0.6). The highest percentages of OTC medications in native and expatriate households were those related to gastric and ear, nose, and throat illnesses. Conclusion The presence of OTC medications in expatriate households was two-fold more common than in native households in Sharjah, UAE. There were significant associations for behaviors related to the reasons why OTC medications were purchased and stored within the household for both native and expatriate families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Ahmad Zaghloul
- Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences Department, High Institute of Public Health, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Moetaz Elsergany
- e-School Health and Environmental Studies, Hamdan Bin Mohamed eUniversity, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nagwa Abou El-Enein
- Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences Department, High Institute of Public Health, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hamda Alsuwaidi
- College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Ayoub
- College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Yuefeng L, Keqin R, Xiaowei R. Use of and factors associated with self-treatment in China. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:995. [PMID: 23158841 PMCID: PMC3534538 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background When an individual is ill or symptomatic, they have the options of seeking professional health care, self-treating or doing nothing. In China, some studies suggest that the number of individuals opting to self-treat has been rapidly increasing in recent years. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the trends of and factors related to self-treatment in China. Methods Self-treatment was measured based the concept and data of the China National Health Survey (CNHS), which covers 802,454 individuals. We used CNHS data from 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008, and a Multinomial Logit Selection Model to estimate the factors influencing the decision to self-treat. Results The prevalences of self-treatment with a recall period of two-weeks were significantly higher in urban compared with rural areas (31.2% vs 14.9% in 1993, 43.5% vs 21.4% in 1998, 47.2% vs 31.4% in 2003, 31.0% vs 25.3% in 2008) in China. Economic (per capita income, TV, sanitary water) and individual (education, profession, family members, exercise) factors, as well as accessibility to drugs had a positive association with the probability of self-treating. Different illness symptoms, severity, and duration show a negative association with the probability of self-treating, showing a degree of rationality in decision-making. Different insurance systems were also found to have an effect on self-treatment decision-making. Conclusions Self-treatment and professional medical services have shared the incremental medical needs of residents in recent years in China. Self-perceived illness status, economic circumstances, and education play important roles in health care decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yuefeng
- Center for Health Statistics and Information, Ministry of Health, Xizhimen South Road, Beijing 100044, China
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de Zea Bermudez P, Mendes Z. Extreme Value Theory in Medical Sciences: Modeling Total High Cholesterol Levels. JOURNAL OF STATISTICAL THEORY AND PRACTICE 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/15598608.2012.695673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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