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Alghamdi SMS, Alzahrani RAJ, Alghamdi SSA, Alzahrani RMA, Alghamdi HAA, Alghamdi DAM, Alzahrani MAS, Fouad AA, Alzahrani RA, Alghamdi MA. Self-Medication Practices Among the General Population in Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e50810. [PMID: 38249219 PMCID: PMC10797161 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The practice of self-medication (SM) is the use of self-consuming medication without consulting healthcare which carries its own risks. SM patterns differ across populations and are influenced by several factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SM practices in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, to identify the factors contributing to this practice and develop effective strategies to decrease its occurrence and associated risks. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al Baha Province, Saudi Arabia, over two weeks in July 2023, with a sample of 580 participants. Eligible participants were males and females, both Saudi and non-Saudi, aged 18-65. The data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. Results Of all participants, 48.7% admitted taking medications without a healthcare practitioner's prescription in the last three months. Analgesics were the most common SM (29.1%), followed by vitamins and minerals (16.2%), and antipyretics (14.1%). The side effects experienced from SM included nausea (24.5%), headache (20.5%), and shortness of breath (8.7%). Regarding the source of medication, the majority (61.9%) obtained medications from a pharmacy and 14.6% used existing stock. Age was significantly associated with higher rates in the 18-29 and 40-49 age groups. Educational status was significantly associated with higher SM among graduates. Regarding reading medical instructions, 39.2% always read, 47.7% sometimes read, and 13.1% never read. Regarding antibiotic SM, 61 participants reported using over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotics. Common reasons for use included sore throat (27.8%) and common cold (19.6%). The most common reason for SM was to save time (25.9%), followed by avoiding crowds and long waits (17.1%). Conclusions A significant prevalence of SM practice concerning antibiotic misuse and sex differences with female dominance was detected. We recommend further public awareness activities from related organizations and more regulations for OTC prescription practices to ensure safe SM practices. In addition, further research is needed to explore SM patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amr A Fouad
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, SAU
| | - Rajab A Alzahrani
- Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, SAU
| | - Mohammed A Alghamdi
- Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, SAU
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Ghodkhande KP, Choudhari SG, Gaidhane A. Self-Medication Practices Among the Geriatric Population: A Systematic Literature Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e42282. [PMID: 37609089 PMCID: PMC10440492 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ageing population is increasingly using self-medication due to comorbidities. Most people who self-medicate use over-the-counter (OTC) medications bought from private pharmacies as their primary source of medicine. The use of self-medication may lead to an increased risk of unfavourable health outcomes. People over the age of 65 are more vulnerable to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Our article aims to gain insights into self-medication in the geriatric population. We searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The PubMed search technique was customised for each database and was as follows: (self-medication (Title/Abstract)) AND (geriatric (Title/Abstract) OR elderly (Title/Abstract) OR old (Title/Abstract)). Also, we used other databases like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MOHFW) under the Government of India, etc. The keywords used for the search strategy were 'over-the-counter drugs', adverse drug reactions', self-prescribed drugs', and non-prescription drugs'. Articles that were not relevant to the review topic are excluded. Through our review, we found that most geriatric people use self-medication because of their previous experience with that medication, a lack of seriousness regarding the consequences of using OTC medications, and suggestions from family members, friends, or neighbours. Abdominal pain, headache, cough, joint pain, and fever are the conditions for which the geriatric age group mainly uses self-medication. The primary source of self-medication is directly from the pharmacy, and the most commonly consumed drug for self-medication is analgesics. Most people know about the risks associated with self-medication. However, people continue to participate in this risky self-medication behaviour to get quick relief from a mild illness. This issue can be resolved by providing such a group with free consultations or medical insurance. Pharmacists' role in self-medication is also important. Counselling regarding the hazards of self-medication and selling the drugs to consumers without a doctor's prescription must be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushal P Ghodkhande
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sonali G Choudhari
- Epidemiology & Public Health, Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Abhay Gaidhane
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College; Datta Meghe Institute of HIgher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Thekkiniyakath Ali AS, A Alsheraihi AA, Ibrahim Alghamdi SS, Sulaiman Alsuwaylihi R, Sulaiman Alenazi S, Saad Bin Hussain L. A Cross-Sectional Study on Self-Medication Prevalence and Usage Patterns: An Alarming Concept Among the Saudi Population. Cureus 2023; 15:e40436. [PMID: 37456396 PMCID: PMC10349170 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-medication (SM) has many potential drawbacks, including toxicity, drug resistance, severe adverse effects, drug interactions, drug abuse, and drug dependence, but it is still widely used for a variety of reasons, including time and money savings, symptom prevention or treatment of minor illnesses, a lack of access to doctors, etc. This study aimed to describe and analyse the usage of antibiotics without a prescription, self-medication practises, and patterns of using them among Saudis. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 13 provinces of Saudi Arabia, a community-based cross-sectional study was done. After gaining consent, data were gathered from 420 adults during face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire. SPSS was used to analyse the data once it had been entered into Microsoft Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA). RESULTS Regarding self-medication, among 208 participants, there was a male predominance and among upper lower class with respect to socioeconomic status. The self-medication rate was found to be higher among graduates and professionals with respect to education and occupation. Self-medication was discovered to be more prevalent among metropolitan residents. The majority of those who started using self-medication got their knowledge from various advertisements. The most frequent symptom of self-medication was fever, followed by a common cold. The most commonly used medication was paracetamol, followed by cough syrups. Weight loss advertisements influence participants the most for self-medication, followed by hair loss and diabetes. TV advertisements have the highest influence on people practising self-medication. CONCLUSION The study calls for greater knowledge of the impacts of antibiotic self-medication, which can be accomplished through efficient measures including behaviour change communication and encouraging more research into its causes and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Salam Thekkiniyakath Ali
- Preventive Dental Sciences Department, College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | | | | | - Suha Sulaiman Alenazi
- Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Lamia Saad Bin Hussain
- Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
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Alwhaibi M, Bin Malik S, Alswailem L, Alruthia Y. Self-medication among adults with chronic health conditions: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069206. [PMID: 37068891 PMCID: PMC10111896 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication (SM), the reasons for SM and the relationship between chronic health conditions and SM among adult individuals. SETTING This was an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study disseminated on different social media platforms in Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS Saudi Arabia sample of adult individuals aged 18 and above. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was SM, measured using the following question: 'During the past 6 months, have you used any medicines or dietary supplements, or herbal medicines or vitamins not prescribed or recommended by a doctor?' A positive answer indicates a self-medicated participant. RESULTS Out of 1645 individuals who viewed the study link, 1295 participants completed the survey with a response rate of 95.1%. Overall, 989 (76.4%) participants reported practicing SM in the past 6 months. SM was higher among younger participants, women, those with higher education levels and high income, and working in the health field. About 198 (73.3%) who have chronic conditions practised SM for chronic health conditions, such as (hypertension and hypercholesterolemia). Previous experience with the same illness (n=530, 25.7%) and attempting to save time (n=466, 22.6%) were the main reasons behind SM, according to the participants. Adverse drug events were reported by 204 (20.6%) of self-medicating individuals and 274 (64.9%) of them reported discontinuing SM. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study indicate a high prevalence rate of SM among the adult population in Saudi Arabia. Individuals with chronic health conditions reported a high rate of SM. Launching public education campaigns to improve public awareness of the harms of SM if misused, especially among those with chronic health conditions, is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monira Alwhaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shatha Bin Malik
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leena Alswailem
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yazed Alruthia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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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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Lucca JM, Joseph R, Al-Sunbul Z, Althawab L. Impact of Pharmacophobia and Pharmacophilia on Perception of Medication Use and Self-Medication Behaviors in Saudi Arabia. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY BULLETIN 2022; 52:85-99. [PMID: 36339273 PMCID: PMC9611794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Pharmacophilia and pharmacophobia have positive and negative effects on treatment outcomes. There exist lacune of information on these phenomena in middle east countries. Therefore the current study aimed to determine the pattern and predictors of Pharmacophilia and pharmacophobia in Saudi Arabia. The study further explored the impact of these phenomena on the perception of medication use and self-medication behaviours. Experimental design An online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted during March-May 2021. Saudi residents aged 15 years or older were eligible for this study. Individuals' attitude towards medication was assessed using the Drug attitude inventory classification questionnaire, and the general belief of medication was assessed using the Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire. Observation One-fifth (n = 101; 20%) and two-third (n = 338; 65%) participants were categorized as pharmacophobic and pharmacophilic, respectively. The mean BMQ score was not statistically significant between the pharmacophobic and pharmacophilic groups (mean difference = 0.314; p-value = 0.176). Males were more likely pharmacophilic than females [AOR: 0.34 (95% CI 0.17-0.69)]. Both groups showed nearly a similar pattern of self-medication behaviours. Conclusion There exist a good number of pharmacophobic and pharmacophilic among the Saudi population. A detailed understanding of the attitudes towards treatment among these groups is essential for enhancing treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisha M Lucca
- Lucca, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Royes Joseph
- Joseph, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab Al-Sunbul
- Al-sunbul, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain Althawab
- Althawab, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Assessment of self-medication practice and the potential to use a mobile app to ensure safe and effective self-medication among the public in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:927-933. [PMID: 35903533 PMCID: PMC9315318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Mannasaheb BA, Alajlan SA, Alshahrani JA, Othman N, Alolayan SO, Alamrah MS, Asdaq SMB, Al-Qahtani AM, Shaikh IA, Alasmary MY. Prevalence, Predictors and Point of View Toward Self-Medication Among Residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:862301. [PMID: 35400077 PMCID: PMC8989923 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.862301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Irrational Self-Medication (SM) practice leads to incorrect diagnosis and is a risk factor for disease exacerbation and serious health consequences. Hence Responsible SM is vital for better health outcomes. In the present community-based study we explored the SM practice during the last 3 months, frequency, outcome, medications used, reasons influencing SM, source of the drug, and information. Data were analyzed using SPSS; chi-square test was performed to indicate significance, Odds ratio, Pearson correlation, univariant and multivariant regression analysis were performed to find out factors and predictors of SM. A total of 611 residents completed the survey. SM was practiced by 52.9% of participants during the last 3 months, with a frequency of one to two times. Headache (64.8%), pain (35.4%), fever/flu (31.4%), cold & cough (21.9%) and dysmenorrhea (20.9%) were illnesses managed using pain killers (75.9%), multivitamins (25.5%), anti-pyretic (24.7%) and herbal medicines (18.5%). Minor illness (67.9%), earlier experience (33.9%) and shortness of time to attend healthcare facilities (18.8%) were the reasons for practicing SM. Distance to healthcare and routine physical activity have significantly influenced the SM practice. Residents stated that inappropriate SM would lead to negative outcomes, including drug side effects (70%), Interaction (34.2%), poor treatment outcome (32.6%) and return of symptoms (26.5%). Interestingly, two-thirds of participants (68.9%) have recommended SM in case of minor illnesses only, 85.3% of respondents have expressed their desire to learn more about appropriate SM, and 76.6% are willing to return their leftover or unused medications to drug take-back centers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Noordin Othman
- Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Management and Science University, University Drive, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Sultan Othman Alolayan
- Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Saleh Alamrah
- General Practitioner Physician at Almansk PHCC, Directorate of Health Affairs in Asir Region, Ministry of Health, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Awad Mohammed Al-Qahtani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
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