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Jalal SM, Jalal SH. Public Awareness and Practice Regarding Over-the-Counter Medications: A Cross-Sectional Study in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e58410. [PMID: 38756269 PMCID: PMC11098444 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58410] [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: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmaceuticals classified as over-the-counter (OTC) medications are also known as self-medications, in which drugs are sold directly to customers without a valid prescription. According to the World Health Organization, self-medication refers to taking medication for ailments that one has self-diagnosed. The public viewed OTC medications as safer, more effective, and beneficial, but misuse can lead to other health issues. Therefore, this study aimed to assess awareness and practices regarding OTC medications. Methodology The study employed a cross-sectional design involving the public residing in Al-Ahsa in eastern Saudi Arabia. The study setting was primary health centers (PHCs) in Al-Ahsa. Four PHCs were chosen by the cluster sampling method. One PHC from each of the four health clusters (northern, southern, middle, and eastern) was selected and a total of 326 people were chosen by simple random sampling from those four PHCs. Data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, standard deviation, chi-square, and correlation analyses were used to analyze the results. Results The mean age of the participants was 38.26 ± 9.73 years. The overall mean knowledge score regarding OTC medications was 14.21 (SD = 3.3). About 39 (11.96%) of the participants had adequate knowledge, 184 (56.44%) had moderately adequate knowledge, and 103 (31.6%) had inadequate knowledge about the safety of using OTC medications. The overall mean score of practices was 20.7 ± 4.42. The chi-square test results showed a significant (p < 0.01) association between the level of knowledge and age, occupation, nationality, and marital status. Additionally, a positive linear relationship (r=+.386) was found between knowledge and practices regarding OTC medications. Conclusion In conclusion, many people in the present study had moderate knowledge and good practices regarding OTC medications. To protect the public from harm, there is an urgent need for more concrete regulatory control over OTC drugs and self-medication. So, it is recommended to create awareness about the proper use of OTC medications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suhail Hassan Jalal
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaya College of Pharmacy, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, IND
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Chan XBV, Tan NC, Ng MCW, Ng DX, Koh YLE, Aau WK, Ng CJ. Prevalence and healthcare utilization in managing herpes zoster in primary care: a retrospective study in an Asian urban population. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1213736. [PMID: 37780417 PMCID: PMC10540814 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1213736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes zoster (HZ) causes significant morbidity, particularly in older adults. With the advent of a recombinant zoster vaccine, HZ is potentially preventable. However, data on HZ burden and healthcare utilization in primary care populations remains scarce. This study described the prevalence and healthcare utilization in managing HZ in a developed community. A retrospective database review was conducted across a cluster of 8 public primary care clinics in urban Singapore. Data of multi-ethnic Asian patients with a diagnosis code of "herpes zoster" from 2018 to 2020 was extracted from their electronic medical records. Socio-demographic, clinical, visitation, medical leave, prescription, and referral data were analyzed. A total of 2,987 out of 737,868 individuals were diagnosed with HZ over 3 years. The mean age was 59.9 (SD + 15.5) years; 49.2% were male; 78.5% Chinese, 12.2% Malay, and 4.1% Indian. The prevalence was 221, 224, 203 per 100,000 persons in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. The 70 to 79-year age group had the highest prevalence (829/100,000) across 3 years. Oral acyclovir (median daily dose 4,000 mg; median duration 7 days) and topical acyclovir were prescribed in 71.6 and 47.6%, respectively. Analgesia prescribed were gabapentin (41.0%), paracetamol combinations (30.1%), oral NSAIDs (23.7%), opioids (6.0%), and tricyclic antidepressants (1.9%). Most individuals consulted only once (84.3%); 32.7% of them required medical leave and 5.6% had more than 7 days of absenteeism. HZ-related referrals to the hospital were required in 8.9% (4.9% emergency, 2.8% ophthalmology). The findings of this study suggest a need for HZ vaccination among older age groups. Visitation and referral rates were low. The use of topical acyclovir was uncovered, and further research should evaluate the underlying reasons, benefits, and harms of such practice. The use of analgesia combinations may be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Bei Valerie Chan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ngiap Chuan Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mark Chung Wai Ng
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Chirk Jenn Ng
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore, Singapore
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Atolagbe ET, Sivanandy P, Ingle PV. Effectiveness of educational intervention in improving medication adherence among patients with diabetes in Klang Valley, Malaysia. FRONTIERS IN CLINICAL DIABETES AND HEALTHCARE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2023.1132489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundThe diabetes patients’ adherence to prescription medication is 67.5%, which is lower than that of patients with any other medical conditions. Patients with low medication adherence are more likely to experience clinical complications, repeated hospitalizations, increased mortality, and increased healthcare costs, hence, education on disease and medication adherence is vital now. This study aimed to assess the level of medication adherence, medicine and information-seeking behaviour, and the effectiveness of online educational intervention in improving medication adherence and medicine and information-seeking behaviours among patients with diabetes in Klang Valley, Malaysia.MethodsIndividuals aged 12 years and above with a prior diagnosis of diabetes were identified and randomly divided into (control (n=183), and intervention groups (n = 206). Data about their medication adherence and information-seeking behaviour were obtained. As part of the online educational intervention, a month of daily general reminders to take their medications and educational materials about diabetes had provided to them via WhatsApp groups. After a month, the groups were reassessed, and the data were compared.ResultsThe results showed that, at baseline, most of the respondents in the control (58.8% females and 53.08% males) and intervention (65.52% females and 85.12% males) groups had a low level of medication adherence. After a month of intervention, medication adherence was significantly improved in the intervention group (91.4% females and 71.28% males) compared to the control group (38.23% females and 44.44% males). At baseline, only 96 (52.45%) respondents in the control group and 110 (52.38%) in the intervention group preferred to read online educational materials to know more about their condition(s), it was improved after a month of intervention in the intervention group where 204 (99.02%) respondents prefer online materials, however no change in the control group response.ConclusionThe study concludes that medication adherence and information-seeking behaviours among the study population have been significantly improved after a month of structured intervention. Medication adherence plays a crucial role in risk reduction strategies subsequently it improves the patient’s quality of life. Thus, well-planned more robust educational interventions on chronic diseases are warranted to improve the health outcomes of the patients.
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Zhang Y, Lee EWJ, Teo WP. Health-seeking behavior and its associated technology utilization among community-dwelling older adults in Singapore: Qualitative study (Preprint). JMIR Aging 2022; 6:e43709. [PMID: 36996003 DOI: 10.2196/43709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding older people's health-seeking behavior (HSB) is crucial to uncovering their health needs and priorities, as well as developing appropriate policies to address these needs and avert their disease progression. Technologies play an active role in our daily lives, and they have been incorporated into health activities to support the aging population and facilitate their HSB. However, prior research in HSB has mainly focused on behaviors during illness, and there is limited research on how technologies have been utilized in older people's health-seeking activities. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the HSB and associated technology utilization among the older population, ultimately proposing implications for practice to address their unmet health needs. METHODS This paper presented partial data from a larger qualitative study, which has been approved by the Institutional Review Board and employed a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between April 2022 and July 2022, either on Zoom or face-to-face. Inclusion criteria included being aged 50 and above, long-term residing in Singapore, and being able to speak English or Mandarin. The interviews were manually transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was performed with the individual as the unit of analysis to understand group phenomena. RESULTS Fifteen interviews were conducted to reach thematic saturation. We identified five main consequences of HSB, which were aligned with Poortaghi et al.'s model. Regarding technology utilization in health-seeking, four themes were extracted: 1) the most widely used digital technologies are the mobile health apps and wearable devices with associated wellness programs launched by the government and local companies, and they have the potential to enhance health communication, promote health maintenance, and increase access to health services; 2) information communication technologies and social media, though not primarily designed for health purposes, play a significant role in easing the process of seeking health information and managing symptoms; 3) while the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in some alterations to older adults' well-being, it has catalyzed the adoption of telehealth as a complement to access healthcare services; and 4) older adults have different considerations when selecting technologies to facilitate their health-seeking and fulfill their health needs. Four archetypes were also proposed based on our findings and the insights gained from our participants' observations in their social networks. These findings led to several implications for practice regarding health communication and promotion, health education, technology design and improvement, telemonitoring service implementation, and solutions to address the needs of each proposed archetype. CONCLUSIONS Unlike the commonly held belief that older adults resist technologies and lack technological proficiency, our findings showed that technologies could play a promising role in facilitating older adults' health-seeking. Our findings have implications for the design and implementation of health services and policies. CLINICALTRIAL
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichi Zhang
- Physical Education and Sports Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Ageing Research Institute for Society and Education, Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edmund W J Lee
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei-Peng Teo
- Physical Education and Sports Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. A Cross-Sectional Study of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Self-Medication Among the General Population in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e29944. [PMID: 36381834 PMCID: PMC9635938 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Self-medication (SM) is defined as consuming pharmaceutical drugs without the advice of a physician for either diagnosis or treatment. Reliance on self-medication has become a more common worldwide issue and now plays a major role in self-care. However, the practice is linked to many risks for patients and the whole community. This study assesses knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with self-medication in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods This is an observational questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted over two months, between January and March 2022. The survey comprised 29 questions adapted from similar studies and was translated into Arabic to fit the study population. All residents of the three major cities, Makkah, Jeddah, and Taif, were included; the population under 18 years of age and health workers were excluded. We used OpenEpi version 3.0 (www.OpenEpi.com) for sample size calculation and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM Corp, Armonk, USA) was used for data analysis. Results Most of the participants (67.7%) declared that they practiced self-medication: (28.6%) men and (39.1%) women. Self-medicating for different indications showed differences between men and women but without statistical significance. Major indications for self-medicating were headache (45.3%), cough, cold/flu (42.7%), and fever (34.0%). The primary reasons participants gave for choosing to self-medicate were easy availability of the medicines (41.4%) and that they were treating a minor illness (40.8%). Many types of medicines were used, most commonly analgesics (44.0%) and antipyretics (43.6%). Conclusion The practice of self-medication is high among the population in Makkah, Jeddah, and Taif. Educating the public on the consequences and adverse effects is necessary.
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Mohd Noh SN, Jawahir S, Tan YR, Ab Rahim I, Tan EH. The Health-Seeking Behavior among Malaysian Adults in Urban and Rural Areas Who Reported Sickness: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063193. [PMID: 35328878 PMCID: PMC8954644 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Understanding care-seeking behavior among urban and rural populations can help to support the planning and implementation of appropriate measures to improve health in the community. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the health-seeking behavior among Malaysian adults in urban and rural areas who reported sickness. This study used data of Malaysian adults aged 18 years and over from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019; a cross-sectional, national household survey that targeted all non-institutionalized residents in Malaysia. Respondent’s characteristics and health-seeking behavior were described using complex sample descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between potential factors (sociodemographic characteristics, enabling, and health need) and health-seeking behaviors (seeking treatment from healthcare practitioners and self-medication). A total of 10,484 respondents, estimated to represent 18.9 million Malaysian adults aged 18 years and over, were included in the analysis. Prevalence of seeking treatment from healthcare practitioners and self-medication among Malaysian adults with self-reported sickness were 57.3% and 23.3%, respectively. Self-reported sickness among both the urban and rural populations who rated their health as poor to very poor was more likely to seek treatment than those who rated good to excellent. However, among the urban population, those who rated their health as poor to very poor were less likely to self-medicate. Among the urban population, government employees were more likely to seek treatment, and being without formal education significantly increased the likelihood to self-medicate. Among the rural population, those with at least one long-term condition were more likely to seek treatment than those with none. Understanding the factors which influence health-seeking behavior among the urban and rural population could close the gaps in healthcare utilization among the population in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nurain Mohd Noh
- Centre for Health Equity Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia; (S.J.); (Y.R.T.); (I.A.R.); (E.H.T.)
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-333627500
| | - Suhana Jawahir
- Centre for Health Equity Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia; (S.J.); (Y.R.T.); (I.A.R.); (E.H.T.)
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Yeung R’ong Tan
- Centre for Health Equity Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia; (S.J.); (Y.R.T.); (I.A.R.); (E.H.T.)
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Iqbal Ab Rahim
- Centre for Health Equity Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia; (S.J.); (Y.R.T.); (I.A.R.); (E.H.T.)
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Ee Hong Tan
- Centre for Health Equity Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia; (S.J.); (Y.R.T.); (I.A.R.); (E.H.T.)
- Melaka State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ayer Keroh 75450, Malaysia
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Htay MNN, Dahlui M, Schliemann D, Cardwell CR, Loh SY, Ibrahim Tamin NSB, Somasundaram S, Donnelly M, Su TT. Changing Health Beliefs about Breast Cancer Screening among Women in Multi-Ethnic Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:1618. [PMID: 35162641 PMCID: PMC8835215 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of the 'Be Cancer Alert' mass media campaign for breast cancer (BCAC-BC) in terms of changes to women's health beliefs regarding BC susceptibility and the benefits and barriers of breast cancer screening in Malaysia. Pre- and post-campaign surveys evaluated changes in health beliefs among women aged 40 years and above (n = 676). The perceived susceptibility to breast cancer was significantly higher at follow-up (mean ± SD: 7.30 ± 2.77 vs. 7.63 ± 2.58, p = 0.008) whereas the mean score for the perceived benefits of undertaking screening was high at baseline and follow-up (16.34 ± 2.36 vs. 15.95 ± 2.07, p = 0.001). The perceptions or beliefs about barriers to screening did not change significantly (31.70 ± 8.26 vs. 31.77 ± 7.63, p = 0.841). Regression analyses indicated that mean scores for the barriers subscale were significantly lower among Chinese women (-2.61, 95% CI -4.67, -0.55, p = 0.013) compared to Malay, and among single compared to married women (-2.40, 95% CI -4.60, -0.21, p = 0.032) after adjustment for other demographic variables and past screening history. Malaysian women appeared to already have positive perceptions before the BCAC-BC mass media campaign about the benefits of BC screening. However, the campaign appeared to be linked to both an increased awareness of the susceptibility to breast cancer and to positive beliefs that countered emotional barriers to screening, particularly among single women and Chinese-Malay women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mila Nu Nu Htay
- Centre of Population Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Department of Community Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Melaka 75150, Malaysia
| | - Maznah Dahlui
- Centre of Population Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Désirée Schliemann
- Centre for Public Health and UKCRC, Centre of Excellence for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK; (D.S.); (C.R.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Christopher R. Cardwell
- Centre for Public Health and UKCRC, Centre of Excellence for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK; (D.S.); (C.R.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Siew Yim Loh
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | | | | | - Michael Donnelly
- Centre for Public Health and UKCRC, Centre of Excellence for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK; (D.S.); (C.R.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Tin Tin Su
- Centre of Population Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) and Global Public Health, Jeffery Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
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Romli MH, Mackenzie L, Tan PJ, Chiew RO, Tan SH, Tan MP. Comparison of Retrospective and Prospective Falls Reporting Among Community-Dwelling Older People: Findings From Two Cohort Studies. Front Public Health 2021; 9:612663. [PMID: 33777881 PMCID: PMC7994342 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.612663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: While prospective recording is considered as the gold standard, retrospective recall is widely utilized for falls outcomes due to its convenience. This brings about the concern on the validity of falls reporting in Southeast Asian countries, as the reliability of falls recall has not previously been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of retrospective falls recall compared to prospective falls recording. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from two prospective recording methods, falls diary and falls calendar, from two different research projects were obtained and analyzed. Retrospective falls recall was collected either through phone interview or follow-up clinic by asking the participants if they had fallen in the past 12 months. Results: Two-hundred-sixty-eight and 280 elderly participated in the diary and calendar groups, respectively. Moderate (46%) and poor (11%) return rates were found on completed diary and calendar recording. Under-(32%) and overreporting (24%) of falls were found in diary compared to only 4% of overreporting for the calendar. Retrospective recall method achieved 57% response rate for the diary group (followed up at clinic) and 89% for the calendar group (followed up via telephone interview). Agreement between retrospective and prospective reporting was moderate for the diary (kappa =0.44; p < 0.001) and strong for the calendar (kappa = 0.89; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Retrospective recall is reliable and acceptable in an observation study within healthy community older adults, while the combination of retrospective and prospective falls recording is the best for an intervention study with frailer older population. Telephone interview is convenient, low cost, and yielded a high response rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hibatullah Romli
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.,Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeingTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Lynette Mackenzie
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Pey June Tan
- Health Services and Policy Research Division, Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Re On Chiew
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
| | - Shun Herng Tan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
| | - Maw Pin Tan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
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Bekele KM, Abay AM, Mengistu KA, Atsbeha BW, Demeke CA, Belay WS, Yimenu DK. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Over-the-Counter Drugs Among Pharmacy and Medical Students: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study. INTEGRATED PHARMACY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 9:135-146. [PMID: 32983946 PMCID: PMC7501988 DOI: 10.2147/iprp.s266786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) medications is common among medicine and health science students. For safe use of OTC medications, students are expected to have proper knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards OTC medications and subsequent adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Objective The aim of this study was to assess KAP of OTC medications use and related factors among medical and pharmacy students at the University of Gondar, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Chi-square analysis was conducted and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between KAP and OTC use and its related adverse effects. A P value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Results A total of 380 students (229 medical students and 151 pharmacy students) participated in the study. The majority of the respondents 303 (79.7%) reported that they have the practice of self-medication. Fever 69 (80.2%), headache 21 (24.4%), and abdominal cramp 20 (23.3%) were the most common conditions for which the students go for self-medication while paracetamol 51 (59.3%) followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 44 (51.2%) were the most commonly used classes of drugs. An intention for time-saving caused by the waiting time due to crowds in medical consultation rooms 212 (77.4%) and a desire for quick relief 171 (62.4%) were the main reasons for the self-medication practice with OTC medications. Conclusion Self-medication is widely practiced among medical and pharmacy students. Significant problems and malpractices were identified, such as sharing of OTC medications, the use of expired medicines, doubling the dose of medications when they were ineffective, storage of OTC medications, and not reading labels and expiry dates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kidist Mulugeta Bekele
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmed Moges Abay
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kidist Abiye Mengistu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanemeskel Weldegerima Atsbeha
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Chilot Abiyu Demeke
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wudneh Simegn Belay
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Kumilachew Yimenu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Ndarukwa P, Chimbari MJ, Sibanda EN, Madanhire T. The healthcare seeking behaviour of adult patients with asthma at Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Zimbabwe. Asthma Res Pract 2020; 6:7. [PMID: 32817801 PMCID: PMC7424971 DOI: 10.1186/s40733-020-00060-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although asthma is a serious public health concern in Zimbabwe, there is lack of information regarding the decision to seek for healthcare services among patients. This study aimed to determine the health care seeking behaviour of adult patients with asthma attending Chitungwiza Central Hospital in Zimbabwe. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 patients with asthma. A questionnaire with four thematic areas (i) patients’ demographic characteristics, (ii) types of health seeking behaviours (iii) knowledge of asthma treatment and (iv) attitudes on asthma treatment was used. Results We determined the sequence of remedial action that people undertake to rectify perceived ill health commonly referred to as health care seeking behaviours in 400 adult patients with asthma. This behaviour was considered good if the patient sought care at the hospital/clinic and or private practitioners. Poor health seeking behaviour was adjudged if patients sought no treatment, self-treated or resorted to traditional or faith healers for care. The majority 261(65.3%) of the study participants were females mainly between ages 29–39 years who lived in the urban setting. Distance to health facility, perception of supportive roles of healthcare providers, perceived good quality of service and knowledge of asthma complications were key determinants for health seeking behaviour. The results showed that majority 290 (72.5%) reported good health seeking behaviour. The correlates of good health seeking behaviour included financial capacity to pay for medical care [OR: 0.50 (CI: 0.31–0.83); p = 0.008)] and receiving good quality of asthma treatment [OR: 0.59 (CI: 0.37–0.93); p = 0.03)]. The inability to voluntarily seek own asthma treatment [OR: 1.68 (CI: 1.05–2.70); p = 0.03) was a significant risk factor (68% more likely) for poor health seeking behaviour. Conclusions We concluded that prior to scaling up asthma treatment programmes in Zimbabwe, there is need to address, individual-level, community-level and health service level barriers to health seeking among asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pisirai Ndarukwa
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moses J Chimbari
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, Durban, South Africa
| | - Elopy N Sibanda
- Asthma, Allergy and Immune Dsyfunction Clinic, 113 Kwame Nkrumah Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tafadzwa Madanhire
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, 11 Routledge Avenue, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe
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11
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Deolia SG, Kela KS, Sawhney IM, Sonavane PA, Nimbulkar G, Reche A. Evaluation of oral health care seeking behavior in rural population of central India. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:886-891. [PMID: 32318440 PMCID: PMC7114035 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_990_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To study the perception regarding common oral diseases and health seeking behaviour related to those diseases among rural population of central India. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in the rural areas of Wardha, Maharashtra on a population between the age group of 18 and above. Data was recorded by a self administered, structured questionnaire in this study. Questionnaire was based on oral health literacy and health seeking behaviour of participants. Results Study included 700 participants, 343 males and 347 females. Dental problem was reported by 68% of participants. Toothache was the most common dental problem reported. Government hospitals were chosen by 19% of participants as treatment centre. Fear 24.3% was found to be the major reason for not visiting the dentist. Conclusion Healthcare seeking behaviour among rural population towards oral diseases was poor. So efforts must be made to bring a change in this scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravani G Deolia
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Koyal S Kela
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ishita M Sawhney
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Priyanka A Sonavane
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gargi Nimbulkar
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Amit Reche
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
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12
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Deolia SG, Khare MV, Arora RP, Chikhale RN, Korde RD, Reche AM. Assessment of the oral health seeking behavior of patients with premalignant lesions. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:141-146. [PMID: 32110580 PMCID: PMC7014843 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_636_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Before choosing/visiting any dental facility for their treatment, patients consider several factors. These factors may be related to the patient or service provider. The health-seeking behavior of a society defines how health services are used. Aims: To assess the health seeking behavior of patients with premalignant lesions. Material and Method: A cross sectional study using questionnaire was done among the patients who consulted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, of age 18 and above suffering from precancerous lesions. The questionnaire included 25 close-ended questions which collected information about the demographic details, oral hygiene habits, oral health issues, deleterious habits. The responses were either on dichotomous scale (yes and no) or on the frequency habits. A total of 218 subjects were included in the study. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The acceptable level of significance was reduced to P < 0.05. Result: Slightly over 50% of study participants visited the dentist for their dental problems. Most of the participants visited dental clinic whenever needed. Maximum positive health seeking behavior is seen in fourth and fifth decade and minimum seen in second and third decade. Conclusion: The oral premalignant lesions have high chances of transformation into malignancies. The progression of these lesions can be prevented by stopping the progression at an early stage and thus instilling positive health seeking behavior serves as an important key to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravani G Deolia
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mrunmayee V Khare
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ritika P Arora
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rana N Chikhale
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Revti D Korde
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
| | - Amit M Reche
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
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13
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Ching S, Chia YC, Chew BN, Soo MJ, Lim HM, Sulaiman WAW, Hoo FK, Saw ML, Ishak A, Palanivelu T, Caruppaiya N, Devaraj NK. Knowledge on the action to be taken and recognition of symptoms of stroke in a community: findings from the May Measurement Month 2017 blood pressure screening Programme in Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1602. [PMID: 31783831 PMCID: PMC6884890 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7922-7] [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: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Information regarding the knowledge on the action to be taken during stroke and good recognition of stroke symptoms is mandatory in helping to plan out educational strategies to deliver health education to the community. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of adults aged 18 and above attending a blood pressure screening program in community in conjunction with May Measurement Month 2017 in Malaysia. A structured self-administered questionnaire was given to the participants who gave verbal consent. Data analysis was done using SPSS v. 23 and multiple logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of knowledge on actions to be taken during stroke and recognition of stroke symptoms. Results Out of 4096 respondents, 82.9–92.1% of them able to recognise the common stroke symptoms. and 74.2% of the study respondents will go to hospital within 4.5 h of stroke onset. According to binomial logistic regression analyses, adults aged 45 years old and above (OR 1.39 95%CI 1.01–1.92), being Malay (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.27–2.40), being non-smokers (OR = 2.491, 95% CI: 1.64–3.78), hypertensives (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.02–2.42)and diabetics (OR: 2.54, 95% CI:1.38–4.69) are determinants of right actions to be taken during stroke. Meanwhile, respondents aged 45 years old and older (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.39–2.03), being Malay (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.24–1.79), hypertensive (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.04–1.66) and those who had a previous history of stroke (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.01–5.00) are determinants of good recognition of stroke symptoms. Conclusions The overall knowledge of stroke in our study population was good. Older age, being Malay, non-smokers, hypertensives and diabetics are determinants of right actions to be taken during stroke. Meanwhile, older age, being Malay, hypertensive and those who had a previous history of stroke are determinants of good recognition of stroke symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- SiewMooi Ching
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Medical Sciences, School of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yook Chin Chia
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Bee Nah Chew
- Staff & Student Health Unit, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Man Jun Soo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hooi Min Lim
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, University Malaya Medical Center, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wan Aliaa Wan Sulaiman
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang,Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fan Kee Hoo
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang,Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mar Lar Saw
- Staff & Student Health Unit, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azlina Ishak
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, UniversitiSains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Tharmalingam Palanivelu
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim Kuala, Sg.Petani, Kedah, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University, Semeling, Sg.Petani, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Nadarajan Caruppaiya
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim Kuala, Sg.Petani, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Navin Kumar Devaraj
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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14
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Abduelkarem AR, Othman AM, Abuelkhair ZM, Ghazal MM, Alzouobi SB, El Zowalaty ME. Prevalence Of Self-Medication With Antibiotics Among Residents In United Arab Emirates. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:3445-3453. [PMID: 31807035 PMCID: PMC6850897 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s224720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Self-Medication with antibiotics is a human practice and attitude in which an individual uses antibiotics to treat self-diagnosed symptoms. The self-medication with antibiotics is a common practice among residents in the UAE. Purpose The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication of antibiotics among residents in the UAE population to determine its associated risk factors and to increase awareness regarding the abuse of antibiotics. Patients and methods Three hundred and fifteen participants from different public places in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah,UAE received the validated questionnaire over the five-month study period. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and the Chi-square test to assess the relationships between categorical variables. Results Of 315 participants, 31.7% (n=100) of the respondents reported the use of non-prescription antibiotics within a three-month study period. Self-medication with antibiotics was significantly associated with ethnicity and employment. The participants reported their previous experience with the disease (69; 21.9%), as the main reason for self-medication with antibiotics. The primary sources of antibiotics were those purchased from community pharmacies (70; 22.2%) and household (21; 6.7%). Conclusion Our study showed a high prevalence of self-medication behaviour even with the enforcement of the new legislation regarding the prohibition of selling antibiotics without a prescription. Therefore, there is a need to raise public awareness towards the safe use of antibiotics in our community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abduelmula R Abduelkarem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amna M Othman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zakieh M Abuelkhair
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mariam M Ghazal
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sawsan B Alzouobi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed E El Zowalaty
- Infectious Diseases and Anti-Infective Therapy Research Group, Sharjah Medical Research Institute and College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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15
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Shaamekhi HR, Asghari Jafarabadi M, Alizadeh M. Demographic determinants of self-medication in the population covered by health centers in Tabriz. Health Promot Perspect 2019; 9:181-190. [PMID: 31508338 PMCID: PMC6717925 DOI: 10.15171/hpp.2019.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Self-medication is the choice and use of medications by people to treat a self-diagnosed illness or symptom. The aim of this study was to search the relationship between a number of socio-demographic conditions and self-medication in the population covered by health complexes in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study and was carried out on the population covered by health complexes in Tabriz. Participants were recruited by a multi-stage sampling method. A total of 1000 participants were included in the study. Data collection was done using a researcher-created questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: The incidence of self-medication was 70.9% for participants who reported illness in the last month. The chance of self-medication was higher in young (P=0.007) and middle-aged (P=0.012) groups, and housewives (P=0.048); and was lower among participants who were not literate (P=0.047). There was no significant relationship between gender and self medication (P=0.553). The high cost of visits was mentioned as a reason for self-medication. The most frequently mentioned drugs used in self-medication were analgesics, cold medicines, and antibiotics, respectively. More frequent reasons for self-medication were the previous experience of the disease, the assumption that the ailment was not important, and the high cost of visits, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication in this study was high. Considering the results, education in the community, financial support, and monitoring the delivery of drugs can play an important role in improving the pattern of drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Shaamekhi
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahasti Alizadeh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Centre, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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16
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Tan MP, Kamaruzzaman SB, Poi PJH. An Analysis of Geriatric Medicine in Malaysia-Riding the Wave of Political Change. Geriatrics (Basel) 2018; 3:E80. [PMID: 31011115 PMCID: PMC6371102 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics3040080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaysia became the centre of international attention when it democratically removed a semi-authoritarian government of 62 years during its 14th general election this year. This electoral success has provided geriatric medicine in Malaysia with a high-impact ageing icon by installing the oldest prime minister in the world. A wave of optimism for the expansion of geriatric services in Malaysia, which met with numerous challenges in the last two decades, has emerged as a result of this political change. The number of geriatrics specialists and services had begun to see slow expansions under the previous government. However, existing geriatricians will need to reassess the landscape of delivery and access to care in our rapidly growing ageing population and develop new strategies to truly expand their services. In addition to unrelenting efforts in the recruitment and training of future geriatricians, the steady expansion of the geriatric workforce should take into account the inclusion of geriatric medicine in the undergraduate training curricula of all healthcare professionals. Expansion of geriatric services will also be a cost-effective strategy to reduce the growing national healthcare budget incurred by the growing needs of an ageing population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maw Pin Tan
- Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Shahrul B Kamaruzzaman
- Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Philip Jun Hua Poi
- Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
- Sunway Medical Centre, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia.
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