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Ge P, Zhang ZW, Zhang JZ, Lyu K, Niu YY, Tong YT, Xiong P, Ling R, Li QY, Yu WL, Min HW, Deng YQ, Wang YJ, Sun XN, Sun XY, Yu L, Wu YB. The self-medication behaviors of residents and the factors related to the consideration of drug efficacy and safety-A cross-sectional study in China. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1072917. [PMID: 36925637 PMCID: PMC10011170 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1072917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs facilitates residents self-medication. However, inappropriate self-medications have become a serious problem in China and even all over the world. Objectives: To make an investigation on the current status of Chinese residents' self-medication behaviors and important considerations, and to explore the factors related to the considerations of drug efficacy and safety. Design: A quantitative, cross-sectional study. Methods: Multi-stage sampling was used to conduct a cross-sectional investigation in China 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities directly under the Central Government. State that an interviewer-administrated questionnaire, was used for data collection. The questionnaire that was used in the investigation included demographic sociological characteristics, health literacy scale-short form (HLS-SF), the 10-item Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), the EuroQol-5D visual analogue scale (EQ-5D VAS), self-medication status and important considerations when self-medicating. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis. Log-binomial regression was used for multivariate analysis on whether residents regard drug efficacy or safety as an important consideration. Results: 9256 respondents were included in the data analysis. The self-medication rate of Chinese adults was as high as 99.1%. Paracetamol and other analgesics were the most common types of OTC medication that respondents purchased, followed by vitamins/minerals. Medical staff recommendations, drug safety and efficacy were the top three important considerations. The residents in the east, central and western regions who consider safety is 63.5%, 61.5%, and 66.8% respectively. The proportion of curative effect was 60.2%, 55.7%, and 61.4% respectively. Log-binomial regression showed that western respondents, retired people, those who mainly used ways including basic medical insurance for employees, commercial medical insurance, free medical treatment to cover their medical cost, respondents with high neuroticism, high health literacy were more likely to consider drug safety as an important factor (p < 0.05). Eastern respondents, employed, main way of medical expenses borne was Out-of-pocket Payment, those with chronic disease were more likely to consider drug efficacy as an important factor (p < 0.05). Female, respondents with high levels of agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and self-rated health status were more likely to regard both drug safety and efficacy as important considerations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Self-medication is practiced by most Chinese adults. Whether Chinese adults take drug efficacy or safety as an important consideration is related to their demographic and sociological characteristics, Big Five personality characteristics, health literacy and self-assessed health status. There is a need to strengthen the management of OTC drugs and public education about self-medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Ge
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zi-Wei Zhang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Zi Zhang
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ke Lyu
- China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu-Yao Niu
- Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yu-Ting Tong
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ping Xiong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Rong Ling
- Jilin University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qi-Yu Li
- School of Humanities and management, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Wen-Li Yu
- School of Foreign Languages, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, China
| | - He-Wei Min
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Qian Deng
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Jia Wang
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiao-Nan Sun
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin-Ying Sun
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lian Yu
- Health Care system Reform and Development Institute, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi-Bo Wu
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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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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Habash R, Al-Dmour H. Factors influencing the intention to buy over-the-counter medicines: empirical study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND HEALTHCARE MARKETING 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/ijphm-07-2019-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the antecedent factors (internal and external) that influence intentions to buy over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in Jordan.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework was developed based on consumer buying behavior theoretical background and a review of the relevant literature. A quantitative approach and a convenience sampling method were used to obtain data from self-administered questionnaires, which were completed by 351 academic staff from selected Jordanian universities.
Findings
The results indicate that all antecedent factors (internal, external and combined) have significant positive influences on the intentions to buy OTC medicines. Internal factors are more influential than external factors; however, the combination of internal and external factors resulted in the greatest influence on buying OTC medicines compared to each category separately.
Originality/value
This paper has integrated and examined empirically the antecedent factors that influence intentions to buy OTC medicines (internal, external and combined) in Jordan’s business environment context as a developing country for the first time.
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Mortimer G, Grimmer L, Fazal-E-Hasan SM. Examining consumer purchase intentions of non-prescription medicines in supermarkets and community pharmacies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2018; 27:232-240. [PMID: 30431196 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As supermarkets continue to expand their healthcare categories, consumers now have more choice and access to non-prescription medicines. The aim of this current research is to empirically examine the drivers and barriers of consumer purchase intentions, namely trust and perceived risk, of non-prescription medicines in both supermarkets and community pharmacy settings. METHOD Data were collected using an in-store intercept survey of 402 supermarket shoppers and 310 community pharmacy shoppers. Confirmatory factor analysis including a measurement and structural model tests were employed using AMOS software package to identify variances in the drivers and barriers of purchase intentions between these retail settings. KEY FINDINGS This study found an association between the purchase intention of non-prescription medicines in community pharmacies with their perceived competence, benevolence and provision accurate information. Other than time risk, no other elements of risk were associated with purchase intentions within this setting. In contrast, the perceived risks associated with the purchase of non-prescription medicines within the supermarkets setting - specifically physical and social risk, were present. Results indicate respondents were more likely to intend to purchase medicines from a supermarket if they perceived that the retailer was competent in providing access to safe non-prescription medicines and had the ability to handle transactions. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to examine the psychological drivers and barriers of purchase intentions of non-prescription medicines in supermarkets and community pharmacies, finding very different results across both retail settings. The study presents a comprehensive model of purchase intentions of non-prescription medicines and recommends directions for pharmacy practitioners and supermarkets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Mortimer
- QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Louise Grimmer
- Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas., Australia
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Kevrekidis DP, Minarikova D, Markos A, Malovecka I, Minarik P. Community pharmacy customer segmentation based on factors influencing their selection of pharmacy and over-the-counter medicines. Saudi Pharm J 2017; 26:33-43. [PMID: 29379331 PMCID: PMC5783819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Within the competitive pharmacy market environment, community pharmacies are required to develop efficient marketing strategies based on contemporary information about consumer behavior in order to attract clients and develop customer loyalty. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the consumers' preferences concerning the selection of pharmacy and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and to identify customer segments in relation to these preferences. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2016 on a convenient quota sample of 300 participants recruited in the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, Greece. The main instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire with close-ended, multiple choice questions. To identify customer segments, Two-Step cluster analysis was conducted. Results Three distinct pharmacy customer clusters emerged. Customers of the largest cluster (49%; 'convenience customers') were mostly younger consumers. They gave moderate to positive ratings to factors affecting the selection of pharmacy and OTCs; convenience, and previous experience and the pharmacist's opinion, received the highest ratings. Customers of the second cluster (35%; 'loyal customers') were mainly retired; most of them reported visiting a single pharmacy. They gave high ratings to all factors that influence pharmacy selection, especially the pharmacy's staff, and factors influencing the purchase of OTCs, particularly previous experience and the pharmacist's opinion. Customers of the smallest cluster (16%; 'convenience and price-sensitive customers') were mainly retired or unemployed with low to moderate education, and low personal income. They gave the lowest ratings to most of the examined factors; convenience among factors influencing pharmacy selection, whereas previous experience, the pharmacist's opinion and product price among those affecting the purchase of OTCs, received the highest ratings. Conclusions The community pharmacy market comprised of distinct customer segments that varied in the consumer preferences concerning the selection of pharmacy and OTCs, the evaluation of pharmaceutical services and products, and demographic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Phaedon Kevrekidis
- Department of Organisation and Management of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, SK-83232 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Daniela Minarikova
- Department of Organisation and Management of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, SK-83232 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Angelos Markos
- Laboratory of Mathematics and Informatics, Department of Primary Education, Democritus University of Thrace, Nea Hili, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ivona Malovecka
- Department of Organisation and Management of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Odbojarov 10, SK-83232 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Minarik
- St. Elisabeth University of Health and Social Work, Palackeho 1, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Department of Gastroenterology, St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute, Heydukova 10, SK-81250 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Huh J, Delorme DE, Reid LN. A Model of Consumer Response to Over-the-Counter Drug Advertising: Antecedents and Influencing Factors. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2015; 21:109-117. [PMID: 26312772 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2015.1033116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Given the importance of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in the health care marketplace and lack of systematic research on OTC drug advertising (OTCA) effects, this study tested a theory-based, product category-specific OTCA effects model. Structural equation modeling analysis of data for 1 OTC drug category, analgesics, supported the proposed model, explaining the OTCA effect process from key consumer antecedents to ad involvement, from ad involvement to ad attention, from ad attention to cognitive responses, then to affective/evaluative responses, leading to the final behavioral outcome. Several noteworthy patterns also emerged: (a) Product involvement was directly linked to ad attention, rather than exerting an indirect influence through ad involvement; (b) ad attention was significantly related to both cognitive and affective/evaluative responses to different degrees, with stronger links to cognitive responses; and
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisu Huh
- a School of Journalism and Mass Communication , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA
| | - Denise E Delorme
- b Nicholson School of Communication , University of Central Florida , Orlando , Florida , USA
| | - Leonard N Reid
- c Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication , University of Georgia , Athens , Georgia , USA
- d Robertson School of Media and Culture , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia , USA
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