1
|
Huhmann BA, Limbu YB. Fair Balance of Prescription Drug Information on Legitimate and Illegitimate Online Pharmacy Websites. PHARMACY 2024; 12:67. [PMID: 38668093 PMCID: PMC11054229 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12020067] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients require important information when prescribed medications. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that promotional information includes a fair balance of risks and benefits. This study evaluates how well legitimate online pharmacies (LOPs) and illegitimate online pharmacies (IOPs) comply with the spirit of the FDA's fair balance guidelines by examining the extent and equivalence of risk and benefit information on their websites. This study analyzed the content of 307 online pharmacy websites. Most (90.3%) communicated drug benefits, while 84.7% provided risks. Both risk and benefit information was moderately extensive. Presentation of risks and benefits differed between online pharmacy types. Compared to LOPs, IOPs were more likely to present risk information but also exaggerate benefits. Four in ten online pharmacies presented a fair balance of risks and benefits. However, LOPs (47.4%) were more likely to present a fair balance than IOPs (36.5%). Interestingly, IOPs were more likely to disclose instructions for use and overdose information than LOPs. These findings underscore the need for regulatory guidelines to encourage online pharmacies to present a fair balance of benefit and risk information. Also, pharmacists should develop online approaches to better fulfill their professional responsibility as drug information providers while maintaining their integrity and objectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A. Huhmann
- Department of Marketing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Yam B. Limbu
- Department of Marketing, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Almomani H, Raza A, Patel N, Donyai P. Reasons that lead people to buy prescription medicines on the internet: a systematic review. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1239507. [PMID: 37719862 PMCID: PMC10501782 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1239507] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This systematic review explores the factors that could influence consumer's decision of purchasing prescription medicines using the Internet. Methods: Relevant databases were searched to retrieve studies published from 2012 to 2021. The studies selected for inclusion were those focused on the consumer's perspective and the purchase of prescription medicines. A narrative synthesis was employed. The Capability Opportunity Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were employed as conceptual lenses that guided the analysis. Results: Seventeen studies were included. These studies have adopted various methodologies: qualitative method (n = 4), quantitative method (n = 12), and mixed methods (n = 1). The studies were based in Europe (n = 8), North America (n = 3), Middle East (n = 4), and 2 studies were conducted in several countries (multinational). The analysis of these studies revealed 7 themes that represent the reasons that lead people to buy prescription medicines via the Internet. These themes were the consumers' beliefs about the outcomes of the purchase (perceived benefits and risks of the purchase), consumer's emotions that could influence the purchasing decision, the factors that increase or decrease consumer's level of behavioural control over the purchase (facilitators and barriers of the purchase), consumers knowledge about the purchase, the trusting beliefs that lead consumers to trust the online sellers of medicines, the social influencing factors, and the external environmental factors that could encourage the purchase. Discussion: This study provides a comprehensive review of the breadth of reasons that drive people to buy prescription medicines via the Internet. Identifying those reasons could provide the basis for regulators to design evidence-based awareness campaigns to minimise the purchase of prescription medicines via the Internet. Furthermore, future research directions have been provided in this review to build upon the existing knowledge and address the research gaps in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamzeh Almomani
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Amna Raza
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Nilesh Patel
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Parastou Donyai
- Department of Pharmacy and Forensic Science, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Almohammed OA, Alnogaidan RA, Ghannam FO, Alqahtani RS, Aloraini SK, Abanmy NO. Public awareness of online pharmacies, consumers' motivating factors, experience and satisfaction with online pharmacy services, and current barriers and motivators for non-consumers: The case of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101676. [PMID: 37576852 PMCID: PMC10415225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Online pharmacies (OPs) represent a growing field that plays a major role in providing pharmaceutical services in Saudi Arabia (SA). Thus, investigating public awareness of this option and assessing consumers' experiences and satisfaction, as well as opportunities and barriers for OPs, were the main aims of this study. Participants and methods In this cross-sectional study, adult participants (≥18 years) in SA completed a three-part, custom-designed online questionnaire. The first section collected information on participants' demographic characteristics, their awareness of the existence of OPs, and history of OP purchases. The second section explores customer satisfaction levels and motivating factors. Finally, the third section investigated non-consumers' reasons for not purchasing from OPs and sought information about services that could motivate them to make future purchase decisions. Results In total, 487 participants completed the questionnaire; they were mostly female (65.7%) and younger than 40 years (57.1%). Among all the respondents, 89.3% were aware of the existence of OPs, and 60.2% purchased from OPs in the past. Most were satisfied with the product quality (92.7%), completeness of order delivery (91.2%), and condition of the product and packaging (89.3%). Furthermore, 99.2% of respondents indicated that they would continue to purchase from OPs. Customers' main motivational factors included saving time (85.5%), offers and discounts (83.6%), and variety of products (82.1%). Among non-consumers, the main reasons for not purchasing from OPs included a personal preference to visit a community pharmacy (87.2%), the ability to talk to pharmacists directly (83.6%), and the vicinity of a pharmacy (80.0%). Conclusions These findings confirm the increasing level of awareness regarding the existence of OPs in SA. Overall, OP customers expressed satisfaction with the services provided. Nevertheless, various areas of improvement have emerged, such as improved delivery time and providing medical consultation services. Increasing public awareness of OP services provided is essential considering their significant role in reforming the healthcare system in SA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar A. Almohammed
- 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
| | - Rawan A. Alnogaidan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatmah O. Ghannam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem S. Alqahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shoug K. Aloraini
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah O. Abanmy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Almomani H, Patel N, Donyai P. News Media Coverage of the Problem of Purchasing Fake Prescription Medicines on the Internet: Thematic Analysis. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e45147. [PMID: 36943354 PMCID: PMC10131998 DOI: 10.2196/45147] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More people are turning to internet pharmacies to purchase their prescription medicines. This kind of purchase is associated with serious risks, including the risk of buying fake medicines, which are widely available on the internet. This underresearched issue has been highlighted by many newspaper articles in the past few years. Newspapers can play an important role in shaping public perceptions of the risks associated with purchasing prescription medicines on the internet. Thus, it is important to understand how the news media present this issue. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore newspaper coverage of the problem of purchasing fake prescription medicines on the internet. METHODS Newspaper articles were retrieved from the ProQuest electronic database using search terms related to the topic of buying fake prescription medicines on the internet. The search was limited to articles published between April 2019 and March 2022 to retrieve relevant articles in this fast-developing field. Articles were included if they were published in English and focused on prescription medicines. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the articles, and the Theory of Planned Behavior framework was used as a conceptual lens to develop the coding of themes. RESULTS A total of 106 articles were included and analyzed using thematic analysis. We identified 4 superordinate themes that represent newspaper coverage of the topic of buying prescription medicines on the internet. These themes are (1) the risks of purchasing medicines on the internet (eg, health risks and product quality concerns, financial risks, lack of accountability, risk of purchasing stolen medicines), (2) benefits that entice consumers to make the purchase (eg, convenience and quick purchase, lower cost, privacy of the purchase), (3) social influencing factors of the purchase (influencers, health care providers), and (4) facilitators of the purchase (eg, medicines shortages, pandemic disease such as COVID-19, social media, search engines, accessibility, low risk perception). CONCLUSIONS This theory-based study explored the news media coverage of the problem of fake prescription medicines being purchased on the internet by highlighting the complexity of personal beliefs and the range of external circumstances that could influence people to make these purchases. Further research is needed in this area to identify the factors that lead people to buy prescription medicines on the internet. Identifying these factors could enable the development of interventions to dissuade people from purchasing medicines from unsafe sources on the internet, thus protecting consumers from unsafe or illegal medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamzeh Almomani
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Nilesh Patel
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Parastou Donyai
- Department of Pharmacy and Forensic Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Development of the PREMIUM Computerized Adaptive Testing for Measuring the Quality of Information Delivered to Patients with Severe Mental Illnesses. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226687. [PMID: 36431164 PMCID: PMC9696867 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226687] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Measuring the quality of information delivered to patients with severe mental illness (SMI), i.e., schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and major depressive disorders, is essential to improve their quality of care. In this work, we described the different steps of the validation of the PREMIUM computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for measuring the quality of information delivered to patients with SMI. The PREMIUM item bank regarding information included 25 items. A total of 499 patients with schizophrenia (53%), bipolar disorders (26%), and major depressive disorders (22%) were recruited from numerous in- and outpatient settings in France. Unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity were verified for 19 items of the item bank. The psychometric properties were satisfactory for both internal (RMSEA = 0.069, CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.963) and external validity (in particular, significant associations were found with age, educational level, and social functioning). The CAT exhibited satisfactory accuracy and precision (standard error of measurement <0.55 and root mean square error <0.3), with an average administration of eight items. This CAT may be used by healthcare professionals in psychiatric settings to accurately assess the patients’ experience with information.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kim M, Noh Y, Yamada A, Hong SH. Comparison of the Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Sildenafil and Tadalafil Using Patient Medication Reviews: Topic Modeling Study. JMIR Med Inform 2022; 10:e32689. [PMID: 35225813 PMCID: PMC8922152 DOI: 10.2196/32689] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topic modeling of patient medication reviews of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs can help identify patient preferences regarding ED treatment options. The identification of a set of topics important to the patient from social network service drug reviews would inform the design of patient-centered medication counseling. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) identify the distinctive topics from patient medication reviews unique to tadalafil versus sildenafil; (2) determine if the primary topics are distributed differently for each drug and for each patient characteristic (age and time on ED drug therapy); and (3) test if the primary topics affect satisfaction with ED drug therapy controlling for patient characteristics. METHODS Data were collected from the patient medication reviews of sildenafil and tadalafil posted on WebMD and Ask a Patient. The latent Dirichlet allocation method of natural language processing was used to identify 5 distinctive topics from the patient medication reviews on each drug. Analysis of variance and a 2-sample t test were conducted to compare the topic distribution and assess whether patient satisfaction varies with the primary topics, age, and time on medication for each ED drug. Statistical significance was tested at an alpha of .05. RESULTS The patient medication reviews of sildenafil (N=463) had 2 topics on treatment benefit and 1 each on medication safety, marketing claim, and treatment comparison, while the patient medication reviews of tadalafil (N=919) had 2 topics on medication safety and 1 each on the remaining subjects. Sildenafil's reviewers quite frequently (94/463, 20.4%) mentioned erection sustainability as their primary topic, whereas tadalafil's reviewers were more concerned about severe medication safety. Those who mentioned erection sustainability as their primary topic were quite satisfied with their treatment as opposed to those who mentioned severe medication safety as their primary topic (score 3.85 vs 2.44). The discovered topics reflected the marketing claims of blue magic and amber romance for sildenafil and tadalafil, respectively. The topic of blue magic was preferred among younger patients, while the topic of amber romance was preferred among older patients. The topic alternative choices, which appeared for both the ED drugs, reflected patient interest in the comparative effectiveness and price outside the drug labeling information. CONCLUSIONS The patient medication reviews of ED drugs reflect patient preferences regarding drug labeling information, marketing claims, and alternative treatment choices. The patient preferences concerning ED treatment attributes inform the design of patient-centered communication for improved ED drug therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryanne Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youran Noh
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Akihiko Yamada
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Hee Hong
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
El-Dahiyat F, Fahelelbom KMS, Jairoun AA, Al-Hemyari SS. Combatting Substandard and Falsified Medicines: Public Awareness and Identification of Counterfeit Medications. Front Public Health 2021; 9:754279. [PMID: 34765583 PMCID: PMC8575769 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.754279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the identification rate of substandard and falsified medications and its association with knowledge among public. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in different geographic areas among a convenient sample of people aged 18 or older. A validated web-based electronic questionnaire was used for data collection tool. The questionnaire contained three sections assessing the following: (1) Sociodemographic data; (2) Knowledge regarding counterfeit medicines; and (3) Ability to identify counterfeit medicines, according to 12 questions rated on a five-point Likert scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between sociodemographic factors and counterfeit medication identification rate. Results: A total of 320 people participated in the study. Only 98 participants (30.6%, 95% CI 25.6–35.7%) identified the counterfeit medications. Ability to correctly identify counterfeit medications was significantly higher in participants who were older (p = 0.016), single (p = 0.001), Asian (p = 0.001), or American (p = 0.019), as well as those who indicated that they would check the certification of the medications (p = 0.015) and report counterfeit medications to the authorities (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: These results underscore the need for greater public awareness of the hazards associated with counterfeit medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faris El-Dahiyat
- College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | - Sabaa Saleh Al-Hemyari
- Pharmacy Department, Emirates Health Services Establishment, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lee J, Kwon KH. Recognition and the development potential of mobile shopping of customized cosmetic on untact coronavirus disease 2019 period: Focused on 40's to 60's women in Seoul, Republic of Korea. J Cosmet Dermatol 2021; 20:1975-1991. [PMID: 33834593 PMCID: PMC8251328 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our research results will be helpful in the development of the K-beauty customized cosmetics industry as well as consumers who are having difficulty in purchasing cosmetics due to the rapid transition to a non-face-to-face society due to COVID-19. OBJECTIVES This paper attempted to investigate the recognition and development potential of customized cosmetics, focusing on mobile shopping in the era of COVID-19 untact period. METHODS The women included in the study consumer Seoul residence in the mobile shopping experience 40-60 targets for women 380 were the people. Statistical processing of data collected by the data analysis method is analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) WIN25.0 statistical package program through the process of data coding and data cleaning. RESULTS As the untact era enters, the frequency of using non-face-to-face mobile shopping for customized cosmetics is increasing, and it is believed to be deeply related to the level of interest in skin and recognition of customized cosmetics, such as the use of hands-on apps that incorporate new technologies of the 4th industrial revolution. Looking at the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin to confirm the normality and validity of the population proved its validity. January 2020 (after COVID-19 spread), the use of mobile shopping was increased. In the future, it was significantly higher to continue shopping for cosmetics using mobile devices p < 0.001. CONCLUSION The present study focused on the recognition and development potential of customized cosmetics on mobile shopping in the era of COVID-19 untact period. Our results suggested that the possibility of developing customized cosmetics through mobile shopping in the untact era after COVID-19 will be endless, and it is believed that various marketing strategies will be supported in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinkyung Lee
- Division of Beauty Arts Care, Department of Practical Arts, Graduate School of Culture and Arts, Dongguk University, Seoul, South Korea.,Daily Beauty Unit, Amorepacific Co, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ki Han Kwon
- Division of Beauty Arts Care, Department of Practical Arts, Graduate School of Culture and Arts, Dongguk University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alwhaibi M, Asser WM, A Al Aloola N, Alsalem N, Almomen A, Alhawassi TM. Evaluating the frequency, consumers' motivation and perception of online medicinal, herbal, and health products purchase safety in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2021; 29:166-172. [PMID: 33679178 PMCID: PMC7910136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Purchasing medicinal products from the internet has become more popular in the last three decades. Understanding consumers’ use and perception of the safety of medicinal products obtained online is essential. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the extent of medicines purchased from the internet in Saudi Arabia, types of products, sources of information, the satisfaction, the motivational factors, and estimate consumers’ vigilance and tendency to report ADRs if occurred. Design A prospective cross-sectional study using a custom-designed questionnaire was conducted among community adults in Saudi Arabia, age ≥ 18. Setting Evaluation of community subjects' perception towards buying medicinal products was done through the internet in Saudi Arabia from 1st July 2020 until the end of August 2020. Main outcome measure(s) The main outcome of the study was purchasing medicinal products from the internet (Yes, No). Results Overall, 36% of the study participants (n = 643) have ever bought medicinal products from the internet (Table 2). Of those, the most obtained was herbal medicine, supplements, or cosmetics (61.3%). Motivational factors towards purchasing medicinal products from the internet were mostly positive, with the most commonly reported agreed motivational factors were lower cost (55.7%), easy online access (54.1%), a wide variety of products (52.6%), and more privacy (43.6%). Around 60.4% of participants believed that buying medicinal products from the internet can be safe. The most perceived risk was the difficulty of distinguishing between registered online pharmacies and other unlicensed commercial websites, with only 32.7% of the participants distinguishing between registered and unlicensed commercial websites. Conclusions This study sheds light on the consumers’ use and perception of the safety and risks of medicinal products purchased from the internet. The study findings noticeably describe the great need to increase safety awareness about obtaining medicinal products from the internet among the Saudi community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monira Alwhaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Medication Safety Research Chair, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wesam M Asser
- Medication Safety Research Chair, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noha A Al Aloola
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Medication Safety Research Chair, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Alsalem
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aliyah Almomen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq M Alhawassi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Medication Safety Research Chair, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ong SC, Vasan Thakumar A, Ooi GS, Shafie AA, Ahmad Hassali MA. Perspectives of the public on the consumption of unregistered health products in Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2020; 28:579-590. [PMID: 33074560 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Unregistered medications which are lacking regulation in terms of safety, efficacy and quality may cause unpredictable adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in consumers. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the public knowledge, attitude and practice of consuming and purchasing unregistered health products in Malaysia. METHODS A cross-sectional study involving members of the Malaysian public was carried out using the convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. Associations between knowledge items/scores and other items were assessed using Spearman's rank correlations and Cramer's V. Regression analyses were carried out to determine whether the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents influenced knowledge and practice relating to unregistered medications. KEY FINDINGS A total of 649 respondents completed the questionnaire with the majority being female (66.1%), unmarried (66.5%), Malay (52.5%) and possessing a bachelor's degree (53.5%). The knowledge of the public surveyed regarding unregistered (unlicensed) medications was lacking, especially in being able to identify a registered health product in Malaysia and formally complaining if necessary. The respondents agreed that currently, there are insufficient laws and educational programmes to tackle the issue. The respondents exhibited good practice habits by purchasing their medications from healthcare professionals. Mean knowledge score was positively correlated to practice scores at rs = 0.423 (P-value < 0.001). Ethnicity and education level were significant predictors of knowledge scores, while ethnicity, age and income group influenced practice-related items. CONCLUSION While respondents generally had good medication purchasing practices, their knowledge about and attitude to unregistered medications indicated the need for more educational awareness of the issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siew Chin Ong
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Annushiah Vasan Thakumar
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Guat See Ooi
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Asrul Akmal Shafie
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Huang Y, Wu Q, Wang P, Xu Y, Wang L, Zhao Y, Yao D, Xu Y, Lv Q, Xu S. Measures Undertaken in China to Avoid COVID-19 Infection: Internet-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e18718. [PMID: 32396516 PMCID: PMC7219722 DOI: 10.2196/18718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In early 2020, over 80,000 cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were confirmed in China. Public prevention and control measures, along with efforts from all sectors of society, were undertaken to control and eliminate disease transmission. OBJECTIVE This paper describes Chinese citizens' response to the epidemic, the preventive measures they implemented to avoid being infected, and the public strategies that were carried out by the government, health workers, etc. We also discuss the efficacy of these measures in controlling the epidemic in China. METHODS Information on the responses and behaviors of Chinese citizens were collected through a cross-sectional, internet-based survey using Dingxiang Doctor's public account on WeChat. Information on public strategies implemented by all sectors of society to control the epidemic and data on new COVID-19 cases were collected from the internet, mainly from government websites. Standard descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 10,304 participants responded to the survey, with 10,198 valid responses; 74.1% (n=7557) were female and 25.9% (n=2641) were male. Overall, 98.2% (n=10,013) of participants paid high or very high attention to the epidemic, with WeChat being their main information source (n=9400, 92.2%). Over half the participants (n=5878, 57.7%) were confident that the epidemic could be curbed in China; 92.4% (n=9427) opened windows for ventilation more frequently than usual; 97.9% (n=9986) used masks in public; 95.7% (n=9759) avoided large crowds and stayed at home as much as possible; and 97.9% (n=9988) washed their hands more often than usual. Women were more likely to practice these behaviors than men (P<.001). With a series of strict public control measures, like nationwide health education campaigns, holiday extensions, the Examine and Approve Policy on the resumption of work, close management of working and living quarters, a health QR (Quick Response) code system, community screening, and social distancing policies, the number of new cases have decreased dramatically since February 12, 2020. CONCLUSIONS The methods employed by Chinese citizens and authorities have effectively curtailed the spread of COVID-19, demonstrating that this pandemic can be brought under control as long as the right measures are taken.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Jiashan Prefectural Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiashan, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yusui Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dingming Yao
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaohong Lv
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuiyang Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cunha DL, de Araujo FG, Marques M. Psychoactive drugs: occurrence in aquatic environment, analytical methods, and ecotoxicity-a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:24076-24091. [PMID: 28942593 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0170-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This review focused on seven psychoactive drugs being six benzodiazepines (alprazolam, bromazepam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, and oxazepam) and one antidepressant (citalopram) widely consumed by modern society and detected in different aqueous matrices (drinking water, surface water, groundwater, seawater, estuary water, influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plants). The review included 219 selected scientific papers from which 1642 data/entries were obtained, each entry corresponding to one target compound in one aqueous matrix. Concentrations of all investigated drugs in all aqueous matrices varied from 0.14 to 840,000 ng L-1. Citalopram presented the highest concentrations in the aqueous matrices. Based on the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, differences between wastewater influents and effluents were not significant for most wastewater categories, suggesting that conventional wastewater treatment systems as such do not remove or remove partially these compounds. High-income countries showed much lower concentrations in surface water than the group formed by upper-middle-, lower-middle-, and low-income countries. Regarding analytical methods, solid-phase extraction (SPE) was by far the most used extraction method (83%) and performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (73%) coupled to mass spectrometry (99%) the most common analytical method. Changes in behavior and in survival rates were the most common effects reported on bioindicators (aquatic species) due to the presence of these drugs in water. Concentrations of psychoactive drugs found in surface waters were most of the time within the range that caused measurable toxic effects in ecotoxicity assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deivisson Lopes Cunha
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), R. São Francisco Xavier, 524, CEP, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-900, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Environment (PPGMA), UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Frederico Goytacazes de Araujo
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), R. São Francisco Xavier, 524, CEP, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-900, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Chemistry (PPGQ), UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia Marques
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), R. São Francisco Xavier, 524, CEP, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|