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Ahmed S, Choudhari S, Gaidhane A. Over the Counter: Self-Care or Self-Harm? A Mixed Method Study Protocol on Prevalence and Determinants of Self-Medication Practices in Wardha. Cureus 2024; 16:e65653. [PMID: 39205714 PMCID: PMC11357710 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication (SM), a common practice globally, possesses a dual challenge of being a self-care strategy and a potential source of harm observed across all age groups. The study is being conducted to gauge the prevalence of SM of prescription drugs with their over-the-counter access, thus addressing the delicate balance between self-care and self-harm related to SM. Material and methods This ongoing convergent parallel mixed method study with quantitative and qualitative components will be conducted on a sample size of 180 subjects aged more than 18 years from an urban community. For the quantitative component, a semi-structured questionnaire will assess the prevalence of SM, types of medications used, reasons for self-medicating, and socio-demographic factors influencing these practices. Concurrently, qualitative interviews delve deeper into the beliefs shaping SM practices. Sampling will be purposive to capture diverse perspectives, with data analyzed using statistical tools. Results This study protocol will offer a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and determinants of SM practices. The quantitative data provide numerical insights into SM trends, while the qualitative findings elucidate the nuanced factors driving individuals' SM choices. Conclusions A multifaceted view of SM practices will be provided, aiding in developing interventions to promote safe and effective self-care while mitigating the risks of self-harm through SM. Anticipated findings can include a widespread prevalence of SM amongst the general urban populace. Significant associations can also be expected to be found with various independent variables. The results will be instrumental in informing public health policies and healthcare practices toward enhancing patient safety and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Ahmed
- Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sonali Choudhari
- Community Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Abhay Gaidhane
- Community Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Bezie MM, Asmare ZA, Asebe HA, Lombebo AA, Fentie BM, Asnake AA, Seifu BL. Factors associated with the use of antibiotics for children presenting with illnesses with fever and cough obtained from prescription and non-prescription sources: a cross-sectional study of data for 37 sub-Saharan African countries. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1089. [PMID: 38641808 PMCID: PMC11031913 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18490-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fever and cough in under-five children are common and predominately self-limiting illnesses. Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in sub-Saharan Africa is a significant public health concern. However, prescription sources and use among children with fever or cough have not been explored. Therefore, we explored the factors associated with the use of antibiotics obtained from prescription and non-prescription sources for children with illnesses associated with fever and cough. METHODS A secondary data analysis was conducted based on the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 37 sub-Saharan African countries. A total weighted sample of 18,866 under-five children who had a fever/cough and took antibiotics were considered for this study. Given the hierarchical nature of DHS data and the use of antibiotics prescribed from the formal healthcare setting (> 10%), a multilevel modified poisson regression model was fitted. Deviance was used for model comparison and the model with the lowest deviance value was chosen as the best-fitted model. Variables with p ≤ 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were considered for the multivariable modified poisson regression model. In the multivariable multilevel modified poisson regression model, the Adjusted Prevalence Odds Ratio (APOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05 were reported to declare a significant association with taking antibiotics for fever/cough prescribed from formal healthcare setting. RESULTS In sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of use of antibiotics from informal healthcare setting for fever and cough among under-five children was 67.19% (95% CI: 66.51%, 67.85%). In the multilevel modified poisson regression analysis; residing in a rural area (APOR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.12), a child aged 36-47 months (APOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.98), a child aged 48-59 months (APOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.94), maternal primary education (APOR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93, 0.99), maternal secondary education (APOR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.99), belonged the middle household wealth status (APOR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.11), maternal exposure to news/electronic media (APR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.10), being from a household with 2 under-five children (APR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.97), being from a household with 3 under-five children (APR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.93), being from a household with 4 under-five children (APR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.98), and children of caregivers who were not involved in decision-making for their child health issues were significantly associated with taking antibiotics prescribed from formal healthcare setting for fever/cough among under-five children. CONCLUSION Only two-thirds of the antibiotics used for children under five who had fever and cough were prescribed from formal healthcare setting. Our findings underscore the significance of addressing healthcare disparities, improving access to qualified healthcare providers, promoting maternal education, and empowering mothers in healthcare decision-making to ensure appropriate antibiotic use in this vulnerable population. Further research and interventions targeted at these factors are warranted to optimize antibiotic prescribing practices and promote responsible antibiotic use in the management of fever and cough in under-five children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meklit Melaku Bezie
- Departmnet of Public Health Officer, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Zufan Alamrie Asmare
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Altaye Asebe
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia
| | - Afework Alemu Lombebo
- School of Medicine, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Soddo, Ethiopia
| | - Bezawit Melak Fentie
- Department of General Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Angwach Abrham Asnake
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Soddo, Ethiopia
| | - Beminate Lemma Seifu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Samara University, Samara, Ethiopia
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Kojom Foko LP, Moun A, Singh V. Addressing low-density malaria infections in India and other endemic part of the world-the opportune time? Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38632931 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2339267] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Shifting from high- to low-malaria transmission accompanies a higher proportion of asymptomatic low-density malaria infections (LDMI). Currently, several endemic countries, such as India, are experiencing this shift as it is striving to eliminate malaria. LDMI is a complex concept for which there are several important questions yet unanswered on its natural history, infectiousness, epidemiology, and pathological and clinical impact. India is on the right path to eliminating malaria, but it is facing the LDMI problem. A brief discussion on the concept and definitions of LDMI is beforehand presented. Also, an exhaustive review and critical analysis of the existing literature on LDMI in malaria-endemic areas, including India, are included in this review. Finally, we opine that addressing LDMI in India is ethically and pragmatically achievable, and a pool of sine qua non conditions is required to efficiently and sustainably eliminate malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loick P Kojom Foko
- Parasite and Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Moun
- Parasite and Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Parasite and Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Juneja K, Chauhan A, Shree T, Roy P, Bardhan M, Ahmad A, Pawaiya AS, Anand A. Self-medication prevalence and associated factors among adult population in Northern India: A community-based cross-sectional study. SAGE Open Med 2024; 12:20503121241240507. [PMID: 38533200 PMCID: PMC10964435 DOI: 10.1177/20503121241240507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to determine self-medication prevalence and its associated factors. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban and rural catchment areas of Uttar Pradesh, India, among 440 adults using a pretested, semistructured questionnaire. The Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine the association of self-medication prevalence with various independent variables. The associations were reported as adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results The prevalence of medication use was 66.4%. The majority of participants (45%) took medicine for fever, cough (40.1%), and cold (31.8%). Allopathy (83.2%) was the most common medicine system used for self-medication. More than half reported taking medicine such as paracetamol (52%), followed by cough syrup (21%) and antihistaminic (17%). Convenience (46%) and lack of time (35.3%) were commonly cited reasons for self-medication. Also, 64.4% of the respondents practiced self-medication on the pharmacist's recommendation. Urban participants (adjusted odds ratio: 9.85, 95% confidence interval: 5.32-18.23), females (adjusted odds ratio: 2.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-4.57), skilled workers (adjusted odds ratio: 5.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.80-17.5), and those who completed primary school (adjusted odds ratio: 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-5.25) were more likely to self-medicate than rural, male, unemployed, and illiterate participants, respectively. Also, participants whose income was 30,000 Indian rupees (adjusted odds ratio: 3.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-10.21) were more likely to self-medicate than those whose income was less than 4000. Conclusions A high prevalence of self-medication was found, particularly in urban areas. Convenience and lack of time were commonly cited reasons for self-medication. Allopathy was the most widely used medicine system for self-medication. Antipyretics, cough syrups, and antiallergics were most commonly self-medicated. Gender, education, and income were associated with self-medication. The study highlighted the increased usage among females which could be further explored and role of pharmacists' recommendation as a major driver for self-medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushboo Juneja
- Department of Community Medicine, Manipal TATA Medical College, Jamshedpur, Karnataka, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ambren Chauhan
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tuhina Shree
- Department of Community Medicine, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Alwar, Rajasthan, India
| | - Priyanka Roy
- Department of Labor, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Mainak Bardhan
- Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, India
- Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Absar Ahmad
- Ranchi Veterinary College, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, India
| | - Amit Singh Pawaiya
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ayush Anand
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
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Rehman T, Mallick A, Ghosh T, Ahamed F. Influence of social media on health-related decision-making among adults attending an outpatient department of a tertiary care centre in India: A cross-sectional analytical study. THE NATIONAL MEDICAL JOURNAL OF INDIA 2024; 37:64-68. [PMID: 39222538 DOI: 10.25259/nmji_821_2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Social media platforms, especially Facebook and WhatsApp, can spread public health information effectively. We aimed to estimate the influence of health-related messages circulated through these social media platforms on health-related decision-making and its associated factors. Methods We did a cross-sectional analytical study among adults (aged >18 years) who visited the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in suburban West Bengal, during July-September 2021. A structured questionnaire was used regarding receiving health-related messages on social media and the subsequent effect on health-related decision-making in the past year. Results A total of 673 individuals participated in the study. Their mean (SD) age was 34.4 (10.2) years and 56.8% (382) were men, 50.8% (342) were graduates, 63.6% (428) were from rural areas and 82.9% (558) were active users of more than one social media platform. A total of 474 (70.4%; 95% CI 67.0-73.9) study participants reported health-related decision-making based on social media messages, whereas 44.7% (301) reported checking the authenticity of forwarded messages or posts or updates with healthcare professionals before making a decision. On adjusted analysis, participants who had secondary education (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.40; 95% CI 1.01-1.94), used both the media (aPR 1.31; 95% CI 1.09-1.58) and checked the authenticity of the messages with a healthcare professional (aPR 1.52, 95% CI 1.38-1.68) were significantly more influenced by the messages, posts or updates received on social media platforms. Conclusion WhatsApp forwards or updates and Facebook posts or updates influence health-related decision-making among the Indian adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanveer Rehman
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, NH-34 Connector Basantapur, Saguna, Kalyani 741245, West Bengal, India
| | - Ajay Mallick
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, NH-34 Connector Basantapur, Saguna, Kalyani 741245, West Bengal, India
| | - Tandra Ghosh
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, NH-34 Connector Basantapur, Saguna, Kalyani 741245, West Bengal, India
| | - Farhad Ahamed
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, NH-34 Connector Basantapur, Saguna, Kalyani 741245, West Bengal, India
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Zeleke TK, Alamirew BD, Bazezew ZA, Alemu MA, Jara AG, Abebe RB. The magnitude and predictors of self-medication amongst street dwellers in Ethiopia: a multicentre study. Drugs Context 2024; 13:2023-7-2. [PMID: 38264405 PMCID: PMC10803126 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-7-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Low levels of living standards amongst street dwellers worldwide limit their access to conventional healthcare services, resulting in self-medication use for the treatment of an illness. Nevertheless, self-medication use has risks, including adverse drug reactions, increased polypharmacy, drug resistance, drug dependence, drug interactions and incorrect diagnosis. Ethiopia has a large street-dwelling community; however, there are no studies conducted in Ethiopia assessing self-medication use amongst street dwellers. This study provides insight into self-medication use and predictors amongst street dwellers in Ethiopia. Methods A community-based, multicentre cross- sectional study was conducted amongst street dwellers from 1 September 2022 to 1 February 2023 at community drug-retail outlets in the three major cities in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. The data were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Frequencies and percentages of descriptive statistics were calculated. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to indicate predictors of self-medication use. To determine statistical significance, a 95% confidence interval with a p value below 0.05 was utilized. Results The prevalence of self-medication use was 67.4%. Time and financial savings were reported as the reasons for most self-medication use. The most commonly reported illnesses for which people sought self-medication were gastrointestinal diseases. Low monthly income (adjusted OR 3.72, 95% CI 2.34-5.91) and residing near sewage areas (adjusted OR 3.37, 95% CI 2.03-5.58) were significantly associated with self-medication use. Conclusion Street dwellers had a high rate of self- medication use. Residing near sewage areas and having a low level of income were factors in self-medication use. Gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory ailments and dermatological conditions were the most frequently reported complaints, whereas antimicrobials and anthelmintics were the most commonly used medications. We recommend that healthcare services enhance outreach programmes to the most vulnerable people, such as street dwellers, especially those with lower monthly incomes and who live near sewage areas, to reduce self-medication rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tirsit Ketsela Zeleke
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Bekalu Dessie Alamirew
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Zegaye Agmassie Bazezew
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahr Dar University, Bahr Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Adela Alemu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Abdisa Gemedi Jara
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Rahel Belete Abebe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Ang WC, Cheah YK. Inequalities in Consumption Expenditure on Pharmaceuticals: Evidence from Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 53:528-538. [PMID: 37081820 DOI: 10.1177/27551938231170831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals play an important role in health improvements. This study is the first of its kind to examine the influences of household heads' sociodemographic characteristics and household profiles on pharmaceuticals expenditure among households of different income levels. The country of interest is a fast-growing developing country. Data from the Malaysian Household Expenditure Surveys 2014 and 2016 were used in the pooled cross-sectional analyses. Double-hurdle models were used to analyze consumption and amount decisions of pharmaceuticals. Analyses stratified by income were conducted. Results showed that households headed by younger adults (<60 years), males, less educated individuals, Bumiputera, and divorced/widowed adults were less likely to consume and spent less on pharmaceuticals compared with households headed by older adults (≥60 years), females, more educated individuals, non-Bumiputera, and single adults. These differentials varied across income groups. In conclusion, household heads' age, gender, educational levels, ethnicity, marital status, and household profiles are important determining factors of expenditure on pharmaceuticals among low-, middle- and high-income households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chern Ang
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kangar, Malaysia
| | - Yong Kang Cheah
- School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia
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Nguyen CT, Nguyen HT, Boyer L, Auquier P, Fond G, Do KN, Dang AK, Do HP, Latkin CA, Ho RCM, Ho CSH. Prevalence and impacts of self-medication in a disadvantaged setting: the importance of multi-dimensional health interventions. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1176730. [PMID: 37575118 PMCID: PMC10412933 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1176730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication is recognized as an effective form of treatment and is increasingly encouraged to treat minor illnesses. However, misuse of self-medication leaves devastating impacts on human health and causes antimicrobial resistance. Using medication without a prescription among farmers could cause more severe effects on their health than non-farm workers since they suffer from several occupational hazards such as excessive exposure to pesticides. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 197 residents living in Moc Chau from August to September. A structured questionnaire and face-to-face were used to collecting data. The multivariate logistic model was applied to indicate associated factors with the self-medication. Results The prevalence of self-medication among farmers was 67%. Pain relievers (66.7%) and antibiotics (32.5%) were the types of medicines that were the most commonly purchased and used without a medical prescription. Ethnics and health status also significantly affected the self-medication practice as well as the purchase and use of antibiotics. The distance to travel to a medical center and the dangerous or difficult travel, participants with arthritis or inpatient treatment had significantly associated with buying and using the medicine and antibiotics without the medical prescription of farmers. Conclusion Our research highlights a considerably high prevalence of self-medication among farmers residing in the mountainous area of Vietnam. Individual factors such as ethnics, health status, distance to health centers, and dangerous or difficult travel were found to be related to the SM practice as well as the purchase and use of antibiotics. From that, the current study suggests interventions. For instance, official guidelines are needed to raise awareness and minimize the disadvantages of self-medication; and digital health technologies should be applied to reduce the gap in healthcare service between mountainous and other areas of Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuong Tat Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Hien Thu Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Laurent Boyer
- EA 3279, CEReSS, Research Centre on Health Services and Quality of Life, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- EA 3279, CEReSS, Research Centre on Health Services and Quality of Life, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Fond
- EA 3279, CEReSS, Research Centre on Health Services and Quality of Life, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Khanh Nam Do
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Anh Kim Dang
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huyen Phuc Do
- Institute of Health Economics and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Carl A. Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Roger C. M. Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cyrus S. H. Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Ghodkhande KP, Choudhari SG, Gaidhane A. Self-Medication Practices Among the Geriatric Population: A Systematic Literature Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e42282. [PMID: 37609089 PMCID: PMC10440492 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ageing population is increasingly using self-medication due to comorbidities. Most people who self-medicate use over-the-counter (OTC) medications bought from private pharmacies as their primary source of medicine. The use of self-medication may lead to an increased risk of unfavourable health outcomes. People over the age of 65 are more vulnerable to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Our article aims to gain insights into self-medication in the geriatric population. We searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The PubMed search technique was customised for each database and was as follows: (self-medication (Title/Abstract)) AND (geriatric (Title/Abstract) OR elderly (Title/Abstract) OR old (Title/Abstract)). Also, we used other databases like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MOHFW) under the Government of India, etc. The keywords used for the search strategy were 'over-the-counter drugs', adverse drug reactions', self-prescribed drugs', and non-prescription drugs'. Articles that were not relevant to the review topic are excluded. Through our review, we found that most geriatric people use self-medication because of their previous experience with that medication, a lack of seriousness regarding the consequences of using OTC medications, and suggestions from family members, friends, or neighbours. Abdominal pain, headache, cough, joint pain, and fever are the conditions for which the geriatric age group mainly uses self-medication. The primary source of self-medication is directly from the pharmacy, and the most commonly consumed drug for self-medication is analgesics. Most people know about the risks associated with self-medication. However, people continue to participate in this risky self-medication behaviour to get quick relief from a mild illness. This issue can be resolved by providing such a group with free consultations or medical insurance. Pharmacists' role in self-medication is also important. Counselling regarding the hazards of self-medication and selling the drugs to consumers without a doctor's prescription must be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushal P Ghodkhande
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sonali G Choudhari
- Epidemiology & Public Health, Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Abhay Gaidhane
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College; Datta Meghe Institute of HIgher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Thenmozhi B, Sharmil SH. Self-medication Practices of the Rural Community People: A Cross-Sectional Study. Indian J Community Med 2023; 48:619-622. [PMID: 37662137 PMCID: PMC10470567 DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_842_22] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication is the practice of taking medicines without a physician's advice, and it has become more common in developing nations. The root cause could be anything from a shortage of physicians to financial factors. However, most people are not aware of the ill effects and drug reactions brought on by self-medication. This research aimed to find out the prevalence, frequency, common complaints, primary sources, and regular medicines utilized for self-medication, which are the goal of this study. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the rural community people in Keezhur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India. A group of 253 participants were selected using a random sampling technique. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The gathered information was coded and examined. Results Self-medication was common in 60.5% of people, and 46.6% of them frequently utilize analgesics. The most frequent condition for which people used self-medication was headache (30.4%). The practice was significantly correlated with the younger age group and the level of education. Conclusion Self-medication is harmful to one's health and is widespread in the research group's region. To reduce the practice of self-medication, general people should get sufficient health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Thenmozhi
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Hepsibah Sharmil
- Chettinad College of Nursing, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
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Juhi A, Pipil N, Santra S, Mondal S, Behera JK, Mondal H. The Capability of ChatGPT in Predicting and Explaining Common Drug-Drug Interactions. Cureus 2023; 15:e36272. [PMID: 37073184 PMCID: PMC10105894 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) can have serious consequences for patient health and well-being. Patients who are taking multiple medications may be at an increased risk of experiencing adverse events or drug toxicity if they are not aware of potential interactions between their medications. Many times, patients self-prescribe medications without knowing DDI. Objective The objective is to investigate the effectiveness of ChatGPT, a large language model, in predicting and explaining common DDIs. Methods A total of 40 DDIs lists were prepared from previously published literature. This list was used to converse with ChatGPT with a two-stage question. The first question was asked as "can I take X and Y together?" with two drug names. After storing the output, the next question was asked. The second question was asked as "why should I not take X and Y together?" The output was stored for further analysis. The responses were checked by two pharmacologists and the consensus output was categorized as "correct" and "incorrect." The "correct" ones were further classified as "conclusive" and "inconclusive." The text was checked for reading ease scores and grades of education required to understand the text. Data were tested by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Among the 40 DDI pairs, one answer was incorrect in the first question. Among correct answers, 19 were conclusive and 20 were inconclusive. For the second question, one answer was wrong. Among correct answers, 17 were conclusive and 22 were inconclusive. The mean Flesch reading ease score was 27.64±10.85 in answers to the first question and 29.35±10.16 in answers to the second question, p = 0.47. The mean Flesh-Kincaid grade level was 15.06±2.79 in answers to the first question and 14.85±1.97 in answers to the second question, p = 0.69. When we compared the reading levels with hypothetical 6th grade, the grades were significantly higher than expected (t = 20.57, p < 0.0001 for first answers and t = 28.43, p < 0.0001 for second answers). Conclusion ChatGPT is a partially effective tool for predicting and explaining DDIs. Patients, who may not have immediate access to the healthcare facility for getting information about DDIs, may take help from ChatGPT. However, on several occasions, it may provide incomplete guidance. Further improvement is required for potential usage by patients for getting ideas about DDI.
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Prevalence and influencing factors of self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Arab region: a multinational cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:180. [PMID: 36707840 PMCID: PMC9880368 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15025-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has begun with a wave of misinformation and fear of infection. This may have led people to self-medicate inappropriately. The World Health Organization describes self-medication (SM) as utilizing medicines to relieve symptoms or health conditions without consulting a physician. Inappropriate drug use is a burden on both health resources and patient health in the Arab region. This study aimed to detect the prevalence and influencing factors of self-medication among the general Arab population during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A multinational cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of ten Arab countries from early August to late October 2021. Participants aged 18 years or older could join the study via social media platforms. A convenience sampling technique was used. A developed and validated web-based questionnaire was used to collect data on self-medication practice, associated influencing factors, information sources, commonly used medications, and commonly treated conditions. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were applied using IBM SPSS v 26 and R v 4.0.0 software. RESULTS A total of 8163 participants completed the questionnaire, and 518 participants were excluded from the analysis due to inconsistencies in their data. Almost two-thirds (62.7%) of participants reported practicing self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the country level, Egypt had the highest prevalence of self-medication practice (72.1%), while Palestine had the lowest prevalence (40.4%). The most commonly used drugs were analgesics, antipyretics, and vitamins (86, 65.1, and 57.1%, respectively), while antitussives and antibiotics scored 47.6 and 43.3%, respectively. Experience with similar health conditions (74.6%) and urgency of the problem (47.2%) were the most frequent factors that led to self-medication. Additionally, 38.2% of the self-medicated participants (SMPs) used drugs as prophylaxis against COVID-19. Pharmacist consultation was the most common source of information about self-medication (66.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that predictors of self-medication were older age (p = 0.008), presence of chronic illness (p = 0.015), and having monthly income or medical insurance that does not cover the treatment cost (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Self-medication is considered a common practice across the Arab population. It is necessary to regulate policies and raise awareness among the public about self-medication.
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Al-Ghamdi A, ShaikhOmar W, Bukhari F, Jowharji A, Alsulami A, Al-Blaihed DA, Ibrahim ST. Attitude of Self-Medication Among Pharmacy Students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Cureus 2023; 15:e33634. [PMID: 36788888 PMCID: PMC9918337 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Self-medication is a public health concern because of the potential for medication overuse or abuse, as well as the physical, social, and psychological consequences. In Saudi Arabia, self-medication is common, especially among health science students. Inappropriate self-medication can cause several adverse effects, such as increasing the risk of medication abuse or delaying hospital appointments due to concealing specific symptoms with some medications. Therefore, our study aims to investigate and evaluate health science students' practices, awareness, and attitudes towards self-medication in the Faculty of Pharmacy at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered survey to measure the attitude, awareness, and prevalence of self-medication among pharmacy students at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Students in the pharmacy program from the first to the sixth year were invited to participate in the study from April 2019 to June 2019. Raosoft was used to compute the sample size (n = 235) with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence range. Results The factors associated with significant effects were an academic year (p = 0.001), smoking (p = 0.018), average sleeping time (p = 0.032), having any headache (p = 0.022), and their opinion about self-medication (p < 0.0001). Conclusion According to the study, the self-medication of analgesics is common among pharmacy students, and the most used medication was paracetamol.
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Ukey U, Sonpimpale B, Ughade S, Narlawar U, Gaikwad S, Nair P, Masram P, Pandey S. Prevalence, Pattern, and Reasons for Self-Medication: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study From Central India. Cureus 2023; 15:e33917. [PMID: 36819304 PMCID: PMC9936784 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Self-medication is an important public health problem, with varied prevalence across the world. The high prevalence of self-medication in India is one of the important factors contributing to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Self-medication without medical guidance can lead to inappropriate, incorrect, or undue therapy, missed diagnosis, delays in appropriate treatment, pathogen resistance, and increased morbidity. The growing trend of self-medication can be attributed to various factors like the urge for self-care, sympathy toward sick family members, inaccessible health services and nonavailability of drugs, time and financial constraints, ignorance, misbeliefs, extensive advertisement and availability of drugs in places other than drug shops. Methodology The present community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban field practice area of a tertiary health care center (UHTC) in Central India. Individuals above 18 years of age and present at home at the time of the house-to-house survey comprised the study participants. A total of 400 participants were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire by the face-to-face interview technique. Results The prevalence of self-medication in the area was 60 % (240). The most widely used drugs for self-medication were analgesics (159; 66.25%) and antipyretics (142; 59.16%). Common ailments for which self-medication was used frequently were fever, body aches, common cold, and cough. It was observed that female participants were twice more likely to self-medicate as compared to male participants (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.04; Prevalence (p) = 0.014, Confidence Interval (CI) 95% = 1.15-3.62). Additionally, those having education above the high school level had more chances of self-medicating than those educated less than high school (OR: 1.25; p≤0.014, CI 95%=1.05-1.50). The commonest reasons for resorting to self-medication as per the findings of the present study are that it saves time and the condition was not serious enough to warrant a physician's consultation.
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Abdelwahed RNK, Jassem M, Alyousbashi A. Self-Medication Practices, Prevalence, and Associated Factors among Syrian Adult Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:9274610. [PMID: 35800339 PMCID: PMC9256391 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9274610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Self-medication (SM) means using drugs to treat self-diagnosed diseases or symptoms. Despite its important role in reducing the load on medical services, it may bear many risks. This study aims to determine the prevalence of SM and its determinants among adult inpatients of Damascus Hospital, Syria. Study design. Cross-sectional study. Methods 453 adult inpatients were asked to complete a questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). A chi-square test was used to detect correlation between variables. Results Out of 453 respondents, 67.3% practiced self-medication. Most used drugs were analgesics, antipyretics, and antibiotics. The main indications for SM included headache, cough/flu, and body aches. Pharmacists were the main source of knowledge about the drugs used in SM. The leading reason for practicing SM was the mildness of the complaint. Approximately half of the participants declared they read leaflets of drugs they used in SM. In this study, SM was significantly associated with monthly income, age, and living place. Conclusions The prevalence of SM in Damascus Hospital is high. Larger, nationwide studies are needed to identify the prevalence and determining factors of SM in Syria and to suggest the appropriate measures to control this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawan N. K. Abdelwahed
- Dermatology and Venereology University Hospital, Ministry of Higher Education, Damascus, Syria
| | - Manaf Jassem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Damascus Hospital, Ministry of Health, Damascus, Syria
| | - Ayham Alyousbashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Damascus Hospital, Ministry of Health, Damascus, Syria
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Zeb S, Mushtaq M, Ahmad M, Saleem W, Rabaan AA, Naqvi BSZ, Garout M, Aljeldah M, Al Shammari BR, Al Faraj NJ, Al-Zaki NA, Al Marshood MJ, Al Saffar TY, Alsultan KA, Al-Ahmed SH, Alestad JH, Naveed M, Ahmed N. Self-Medication as an Important Risk Factor for Antibiotic Resistance: A Multi-Institutional Survey among Students. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070842. [PMID: 35884096 PMCID: PMC9312266 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-medication is an important issue, especially in developing countries. Self-medication is the concept in which individuals use medicine to ease and manage their minor illnesses. The current survey was designed to conduct interviews at different universities based on the availability of the students from August 2021 to October 2021 in Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Overall, 1250 questionnaires were distributed to students from various departments. Students of microbiology (n = 305, 24.4%) and agriculture 236 (n = 18.8%) were the most elevated members in this study, while other participants were from medical lab technology (n = 118, 9.4%), chemistry (n = 103, 8.2%), food science (n = 92, 7.3%), business administration (n = 83, 6.6%), sociology (n = 78, 6.2%), math/physics (n = 6, 14.8%), Pak study (n = 58, 4.6%), English (n = 47, 3.7%), and psychology (n = 19, 1.5%). Students working towards their Bachelor numbered (n = 913, 73.0%), Master (minor) numbered (n = 80, 6.4%), Master (major) numbered (n = 221, 17.6%), and Doctorate numbered (n = 36, 2.8%). The age group of participants was majorly 20–25 years (61.0%), while others belonged to the age groups 25–30 years (20.6%), 30–35 years (9.8%), and 35–40 years (8.4%). The mean and standard deviation of daily practices of self-medication were observed (M = 416.667, SD = 1,026,108.667) and p = 0.002. The mean and standard deviation of daily practices of antibiotic knowledge was (M = 431.5, SD = 1,615,917) and p = 0.002. Antimicrobial agents were leading over others with 631 (50.4%), followed by anti-inflammatory with 331 (26.4%), multivitamins with 142 (11.3%), gynecological purpose with 59 (4.7%), and analgesic with 72 (5.7%), while the lowest frequency rate was observed against herbal remedies with 15 (1.2%). The results of the current study concluded that students practiced self-medication for reasons such as convenience to obtain these medications from cheap sources and to avoid the fee of a physician. They searched for the medicine on social media platforms and purchased it blindly from the pharmacy without any prescription from a physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Zeb
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan; (S.Z.); (B.S.Z.N.)
- Department of Microbiology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute & Research Center, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Mariam Mushtaq
- Department of Medical Education, King Edward Medical University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Muneeb Ahmad
- Department of Medical Education, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan;
| | - Waqas Saleem
- Department of Microbiology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute & Research Center, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Ali A. Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (A.A.R.); (M.N.); (N.A.)
| | - Bibi Salma Zahid Naqvi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan; (S.Z.); (B.S.Z.N.)
| | - Mohammed Garout
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care for Pilgrims, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammed Aljeldah
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin 39831, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.); (B.R.A.S.)
| | - Basim R. Al Shammari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin 39831, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.); (B.R.A.S.)
| | - Nehad J. Al Faraj
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia; (N.J.A.F.); (N.A.A.-Z.); (M.J.A.M.); (T.Y.A.S.); (K.A.A.); (S.H.A.-A.)
| | - Nisreen A. Al-Zaki
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia; (N.J.A.F.); (N.A.A.-Z.); (M.J.A.M.); (T.Y.A.S.); (K.A.A.); (S.H.A.-A.)
| | - Mona J. Al Marshood
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia; (N.J.A.F.); (N.A.A.-Z.); (M.J.A.M.); (T.Y.A.S.); (K.A.A.); (S.H.A.-A.)
| | - Thuria Y. Al Saffar
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia; (N.J.A.F.); (N.A.A.-Z.); (M.J.A.M.); (T.Y.A.S.); (K.A.A.); (S.H.A.-A.)
| | - Khadija A. Alsultan
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia; (N.J.A.F.); (N.A.A.-Z.); (M.J.A.M.); (T.Y.A.S.); (K.A.A.); (S.H.A.-A.)
| | - Shamsah H. Al-Ahmed
- Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif 32654, Saudi Arabia; (N.J.A.F.); (N.A.A.-Z.); (M.J.A.M.); (T.Y.A.S.); (K.A.A.); (S.H.A.-A.)
| | - Jeehan H. Alestad
- Immunology and Infectious Microbiology Department, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK;
- Microbiology Department, Collage of Medicine, Jabriya 46300, Kuwait
| | - Muhammad Naveed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (A.A.R.); (M.N.); (N.A.)
| | - Naveed Ahmed
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (A.A.R.); (M.N.); (N.A.)
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Saha A, Marma KKS, Rashid A, Tarannum N, Das S, Chowdhury T, Afrin N, Chakraborty P, Emran M, Mehedi HMH, Hussain MI, Barua A, Mistry SK. Risk factors associated with self-medication among the indigenous communities of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269622. [PMID: 35696405 PMCID: PMC9191716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In developing countries like Bangladesh, self-medication has become a predicament associated with health risks and clinical complications. To date, no studies have been conducted on the practice of self-medication among the indigenous population living in Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT). Objectives This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication and analyzing the factors associated with it among the indigenous population in CHT. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from late October to early December 2020; among different indigenous group populations residing in the three districts of CHT aged 18 or more. A pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, health status, frequency of self-medication, reasons for self-medication in last one year, as well as other variables. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess associated factors with self-medication. Results A total of 1350 people from different indigenous populations were interviewed, among whom 49.9% practiced self-medication. The rate of self-prescribed antibiotics usage (80.9%) was significantly higher compared to other drugs. Self-prescribed medications were mostly used for diarrhea and food poisoning (60.6%), cough, cold and fever (51.4%), and headache (51.4%). A common source of self-prescribed medicines was community or retail pharmacy and the most reported reason for self-prescribed medication was the long-distance of healthcare facilities from home. Conclusion The prevalence of self-medication is substantially high among indigenous people and the effect is alarming. Particular concern is the misuse of antibiotics and analgesic drugs. Increasing awareness among the population of the negative effect of self-medication and implementation of proper policies and actions are urgently needed to prevent self-medication among indigenous population in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayan Saha
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- * E-mail: ,
| | | | - Afrah Rashid
- Department of Public Health and Bioinformatics, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Nowshin Tarannum
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Srabanty Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | | | - Nusrat Afrin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Prashanta Chakraborty
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Emran
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Science & Technology Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Ashim Barua
- Upazila Health Complex, Alikadam, Bandarban, Bangladesh
| | - Sabuj Kanti Mistry
- ARCED Foundation, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Public Health, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Kutubudin AFM, Wan Mohammad WMZ, Md Noor SS, Shafei MN. Risk Factors Associated with Defaulted Follow-Up and Sharp Injury Management among Health Care Workers in a Teaching Hospital in Northeastern Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116641. [PMID: 35682226 PMCID: PMC9180157 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Sharp injury is a serious occupational risk for healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to determine the distribution and associated factors of sharp injury cases among HCWs working at a teaching hospital in northeastern Malaysia. This was a retrospective cohort study on all reported sharp injury cases from 2015 to 2020. The secondary data were examined using descriptive and multiple logistic regression. Statistical significance was determined for associated factors of HCWs who did not attend immediate treatment after a sharp injury or any of the subsequent follow-up variables, with a p-value of less than 0.05. A total of 286 cases fulfilled the study criteria. The mean (SD) age of sharp injury was 29.4 (5.38) years. The overall defaulted rate for follow-up was 51.4%. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant relationship between defaulted follow up on sharp injury management and job category as well as the type of device used. Being a doctor (Adj OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.40, 4.03; p = 0.010) and those using other sharp instruments such as Coupland and drip sets (Adj OR 4.55; 95% CI: 1.59, 13.02; p = 0.005) had a higher odds to default follow up on sharp injury management. In conclusion, although there is a link between defaulting the follow-up and both the work category and the type of device that caused the injury, a deeper analysis is needed to uncover any additional factors and determine the appropriate intervention strategies to ensure follow up adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Farrasyah Mohd Kutubudin
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia; (A.F.M.K.); (W.M.Z.W.M.)
| | - Wan Mohd Zahiruddin Wan Mohammad
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia; (A.F.M.K.); (W.M.Z.W.M.)
| | - Siti Suraiya Md Noor
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia;
| | - Mohd Nazri Shafei
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia; (A.F.M.K.); (W.M.Z.W.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-9767-6646
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Chaboksavar F, Sharifirad G, Pirouzeh R, Jalilian F, Rafiei N, Mansourian M. The child-to-family education program regarding self-medication: A theory-based interventional study. JOURNAL OF MOTHER AND CHILD 2022; 26:10-17. [PMID: 35853734 PMCID: PMC10032315 DOI: 10.34763/jmotherandchild.20222601.d-22-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Self-medication is considered one of the largest social, economic, and health problems in developing communities, including Iran. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a child to family communication approach to self-medication based on the Health Belief Model [HBM]. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study is a quasi-experimental study that was conducted on 124 students in the fourth grade and their mothers in the intervention and control groups in Isfahan city, Iran. Using multi-stage simple random sampling, two primary schools were selected from each group, and then one class was selected from each primary school. Students in the intervention group attended the educational sessions. Then, the students were required to transfer their education to their families. The impact of education on mothers was evaluated two months after the last session. Data were collected before and after the intervention with a researcher-created questionnaire based on the HBM and were analysed using the SPSS 17 software package, with chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS Before training, there was not a significant difference in the mean scores of the HBM constructs in terms of the demographic characteristics between the two groups. After the educational intervention, the mean of knowledge and HBM constructs were increased significantly, and the mean of perceived barriers decreased significantly in the experimental group [P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION According to the present study, the child-to-family education based on the HBM was effective. It is suggested that educational interventions based on the HBM be designed and implemented to decrease self-medication in Iranian families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakhreddin Chaboksavar
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Sharifirad
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Islamic Azad University, Qom Branch, Iran
| | - Razieh Pirouzeh
- Department of Public Health, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
| | - Farzad Jalilian
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Narges Rafiei
- Health Management and Social Development Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Morteza Mansourian
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Vasquez-Elera LE, Failoc-Rojas VE, Martinez-Rivera RN, Morocho-Alburqueque N, Temoche-Rivas MS, Valladares-Garrido MJ. Self-medication in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in northern Peru. Germs 2022; 12:46-53. [PMID: 35601942 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2022.1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to identify factors associated with self-medication in patients with COVID-19. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of patients with COVID-19 who self-medicated before admission to a hospital in Piura, Peru. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using generalized linear models with Poisson distribution family, log link function, and robust variance. Results Out of 301 patients, 165 (54.8%) self-medicated before hospital admission, being more frequent self-medication with ivermectin (85.5%) and azithromycin (71.5%). The frequency of self-medication in those aged between 30-59 years was 2.53-fold higher than in those between 18-29 years. Male patients, dyslipidemia, smoking, and hepatic steatosis were associated with self-medication. Clinical characteristics associated with self-medication were fever, cough, headache, anosmia, dysgeusia, nausea/vomiting, and gastroesophageal reflux. Conclusions A high frequency of self-medication before hospital admission was observed in Peruvian patients with COVID-19, mainly of drugs without proven efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Vasquez-Elera
- MD, Gastroenterology Service, Cayetano Heredia Hospital, 150 Independencia Avenue, Piura 200104, Peru
| | - Virgilio E Failoc-Rojas
- MD, MSc(c), Research Unit for Generation and Synthesis Evidence in Health, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, 505 La Fontana Avenue, Lima 15012, Peru
| | - Raisa N Martinez-Rivera
- MD, Universidad Nacional de Piura, Piura, Peru, Scientific Society of Medical Students of National University of Piura, Marcelino Castro Gamboa Avenue, Piura 15806, Peru
| | - Noelia Morocho-Alburqueque
- MD, National University of Piura, Piura, Peru, Scientific Society of Medical Students of National University of Piura, Marcelino Castro Gamboa Avenue, Piura 15806, Peru
| | - Mario S Temoche-Rivas
- MD, National University of Piura, Piura, Peru, Scientific Society of Medical Students of National University of Piura, Marcelino Castro Gamboa Avenue, Piura 15806, Peru
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Dutta S, Kaur RJ, Bhardwaj P, Ambwani S, Godman B, Jha PA, Sukhija S, Venkatesh SS, Lugova H, Islam S, Charan J, Haque M. Demand of COVID-19 medicines without prescription among community pharmacies in Jodhpur, India: Findings and implications. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:503-511. [PMID: 35360769 PMCID: PMC8963618 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1250_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemic led to increased self-medication of antimicrobials, vitamins, and immune boosters among the common people and consuming without prescription can lead to adverse consequences including antimicrobial resistance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on community pharmacies in Jodhpur, India. They were inquired regarding the prescription and increased sales (<25%, 25—50%, 50--75%, or 75--100%) of various medicines (Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, Ivermectin, and Vitamin C) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between requests for certain COVID-19 medications and an increase in their sale. Results: A total of 204 pharmacies took part, and 88.23% reported patients to approach them without prescriptions. Most of the pharmacies revealed that <25% of patients came without prescription. The majority came for azithromycin (68%) and vitamin C (92%). Increased sales of the four targeted medications were seen by 85.92% of pharmacies compared to last year. A majority (51.5%) reported <25% increased sales of azithromycin, but no change in the sale of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. However, 39.6% reported >75% increase in vitamin C sales. Conclusion: There was an increase in the demand for COVID-19 medications without prescription. This study was unable to detect a significant increase in sales of antimicrobials, which is encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Dutta
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rimple J Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Pankaj Bhardwaj
- Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sneha Ambwani
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, United Kingdom.,Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Pallavi A Jha
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sanchi Sukhija
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Suman S Venkatesh
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Halyna Lugova
- Unit of Community Medicine, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Salequl Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jaykaran Charan
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mainul Haque
- Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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22
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Aponte-González J, Brown P, Eslava-Schmalbach J. Preferences based interventions to address the use of antibiotics without prescription: A discrete choice experiment. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2021; 19:2401. [PMID: 34621451 PMCID: PMC8455123 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2021.3.2401] [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: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In many countries, concerns have arisen over the population using antibiotics without consulting a physician. This practice can place patients at risk and increase antibiotic resistance in the community. Objective To evaluate individuals' preferences regarding the use of antibiotics. The study also assessed the likely effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics. Methods A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted in Bogotá, Colombia. The attributes were determined by a systematic literature review and four focus group sessions. The DCE included nine factors - cost, time to get attention, level of symptoms, efficacy, safety, among others- and one label -using or not antibiotics. Data analysis was carried out using a generalized multinomial logit (GMNL) model. Marginal probabilities of different sets of attributes' levels were compared to estimate the likely effectiveness of interventions. Results The survey was administered to 222 participants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The results suggest that participants preferred not taking antibiotics and having a physician as an advisor, but the probability of inappropriate antibiotic use increased as the waiting time or the cost of receiving advice rose. The pharmacy was the preferred source of antibiotics, and participants chose the pharmacy worker (nonprofessional) as an advisor over the nurse on the phone. In the absence of any interventions aimed at reducing the use of antibiotics, approximately 47.3% of people would misuse antibiotics. This reduces to 26.5% when people perceive the efficacy of the antibiotics as low and the potential risks of self-medicating as high. An alternative model using a nursing service would likely lower inappropriate use of antibiotics. Conclusions Even though people prefer not using antibiotics or visiting a physician in case of disease rather than self-medicating, current access conditions might discourage them from appropriately use antibiotics. The results suggest that interventions that informing people about the risks of self-medication and the low efficacy might significantly reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics. Our results also suggest that programs that empower other health professionals to provide access to antibiotics would likely further lower inappropriate use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Aponte-González
- Pharm, PhD. Professor. Pharmacy Department, School of Sciences, National University of Colombia. Bogotá (Colombia).
| | - Paul Brown
- PhD. Professor Public Health and Health Economics. University of California, Merced. Merced, CA (United States).
| | - Javier Eslava-Schmalbach
- MD, PhD. Professor. University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Colombia. Bogotá (Colombia).
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Rashid M, Chhabra M, Kashyap A, Undela K, Gudi SK. Prevalence and Predictors of Self-Medication Practices in India: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 15:90-101. [PMID: 31763976 PMCID: PMC7579319 DOI: 10.2174/1574884714666191122103953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-Medication (SM) is a practice of using medications to treat selfdiagnosed symptoms without a legitimate prescription by a health care professional. Alongside posing a burden on a patient, SM practices are associated with certain unfavourable health conditions such as drug-resistance, adverse effects, drug-interactions, including death. OBJECTIVE To systematically review and quantify the prevalence of SM practices and its associated factors in India. METHODS A comprehensive systematic search was performed using scientific databases such as PubMed and Cochrane library for the peer-reviewed research articles that were conducted in India without any language and date restrictions. Studies which were cross-sectional by design and assessing the prevalence and predictors of SM practices in India were considered for the review, and all the relevant articles were screened for their eligibility. RESULTS Of 248 articles, a total of 17 articles comprising of 10,248 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the mean prevalence of SM practices in India was observed to be 53.57%. Familiarity with the medication appears to be a major reason to practice SM (PR: 30.45; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 17.08-43.82; 6 studies), and the practice was noticed more among individuals from a middle-lower class family with a prevalence rate of 26.31 (95%CI: 2.02-50.60; P<0.0001). Minor ailments were the primary reason for practicing SM (PR: 42.46; 95%CI: 21.87- 63.06), among which headache was the most commonly reported (PR: 41.53; 95%CI: 18.05-65.02). CONCLUSION Self-medication practices are quite frequent in India. While NSAIDs and anti-allergens are the most frequently utilized self-medicated drugs used for headache and cold and cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Rashid
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, Adichunchanagiri University, BG Nagara, Karnataka 571448, India
| | - Manik Chhabra
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Indo-Soviet Friendship College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab 142001, India
| | - Ananth Kashyap
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Sarada Vilas College of Pharmacy, Mysuru, Karnataka 570004, India
| | - Krishna Undela
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research Mysuru, Karnataka 570015, India
| | - Sai K Gudi
- Department of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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24
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Vahedi S, Jalali FS, Bayati M, Delavari S. Predictors of Self-medication in Iran: A Notional Survey Study. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021; 20:348-358. [PMID: 34400964 PMCID: PMC8170743 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2020.113601.14394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
While logical use of medicine is a priority in all health systems, people do self-medication- mainly using Nonprescription Drugs or Over the Counter (OTC) drugs- for different reasons. Self-medication is rising in many developing countries that could increase healthcare expenditure. The present study aimed to find the self-medication rate and predisposing, enabling, and need factors affecting it based on the Anderson behavioral model in the Iranian population. The present study uses 22470 households’ data acquired from Iranian utilization of healthcare survey at the national level (2016). Due to the study objective, the data of 13005 people who were over 15 years old and had outpatient healthcare needs two weeks before the survey. The survey included a binary question about self-medication, which is considered a dependent variable. Age, gender, marital status, literacy, job status, socio-economic status, location, basic health insurance, complementary health insurance, and need for health services were considered as independent variables. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. The self-medication rate was calculated at 26.3% that was different among different subgroups of the population. According to the model estimates, married (OR = 0.80, CI = 0.71-0.91) and housekeepers (OR = 0.79, CI = 0.67-0.93) had significantly lower self-medication. Moreover, the urban population (OR = 1.29, CI = 1.17-1.43), people without basic (OR = 1.32, CI = 1.10-1.58), and supplementary (OR = 1.18, CI = 1.04-1.35) health insurance and also people who had two or higher number of outpatient healthcare needs had significantly more self-medication (OR = 2.96, CI = 2.67-3.29). It can be concluded that need, enabling, and predisposing factors are respectively the main determinants of self-medication behavior. From a policy point of view, increasing effective health insurance coverage with a focus on people who have more health care needs can be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Vahedi
- Department of Health Service Management, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Faride Sadat Jalali
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Bayati
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sajad Delavari
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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25
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Sujatha C, Sudha RR, Surendran AT, Reghukumar A, Valamparampil MJ, Sathyadas IP, Chandrasekharan PK. Social, health system and clinical determinants of fever mortality during an outbreak of dengue fever in Kerala, India. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 10:1998-2005. [PMID: 34195138 PMCID: PMC8208210 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2434_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The morbidity and mortality spectrum of the south Indian state of Kerala is dominated by chronic non-communicable diseases, yet febrile illnesses because of neglected tropical diseases and emerging viral infections are often reported. As fever deaths are mostly avoidable, understanding the determinants of mortality is essential for implementing preventive measures. Methods: A case-control study was done during an ongoing dengue outbreak in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala during 2017–18. Cases included all fever deaths from the line list of Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP). Data were obtained from hospital case records and by interviewing patients or care givers. The theoretical model for determinants of mortality was constructed at three levels namely sociodemographic factors, access to health care and health seeking behavior, and clinical determinants. Results: This study confirmed association of mortality with age above 40 years (P = 0.010, OR = 3.48), being heavy built (P = 0.029, OR = 13.25), clinical symptoms of breathlessness (P < 0.001, OR = 24.89), restlessness (P < 0.001, OR = 97.26), clinical signs of drowsiness (P = 0.024, OR = 7.97), hypotension (P < 0.001, OR = 42.22), complications such as ARDS (P = 0.047, OR = 171.56), and myocarditis (P = 0.012, OR = 16.59). A low occupation status of semiskilled work or less (P = 0.012, OR = 0.30), choosing a nearby hospital for treatment (P = 0.018, OR = 0.48) and shortening the time gap between onset of symptom and final diagnosis (P = 0.044, OR = 0.72) was found to be protective. Conclusion: Along with biological and clinical factors, distal determinants like social factors, health seeking behavior, and health system factors are associated with fever mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chintha Sujatha
- Departments of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Reshma R Sudha
- Department of Community Medicine, SUT Academy of Medical Sciences, Vattapara, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Anish T Surendran
- Departments of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Aravind Reghukumar
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | | | - Indu P Sathyadas
- Departments of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.,State Prevention of Epidemics and Infectious Diseases Cell Co-Ordinator, India
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26
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Shalini A, Logaraj M. Prevalence and determinants of self medication use among the adult population residing in a sub urban areas near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 10:1835-1838. [PMID: 34195112 PMCID: PMC8208208 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1615_20] [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: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication in urban population seems to increase but the available information is scarce. It is essential to generate evidence regarding the burden and determinants to plan for a public health intervention to address this problem. Our study is an attempt to ascertain the research may show the prevalence and determinants of self-medication among adults population of urban Tamil Nadu. Methods A community-based cross sectional study was conducted among 408 adults residing in a sub urban areas near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Probability proportionate to size of sampling technique (PPS) was used to decide the number of adults to be included in the study. House to house interview was done using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire. Informed written consent was obtained from the participants. Results Around 132 out of 406 of our study population (32.5%, 95% CI: 27.9, 37.06) reported that they are using self-medication at least once in the past 6 months. It was found that males are 1.5 times more likely to use self-medication than females (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.39, P value: 0.036) and younger adults (age <30 years) are 55% less likely to use self-medication than the adults greater than 30 years (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.72, P value: 0.001). Conclusion Increasing prevalence of self-medication use qualifies it to be considered as the public health problem. Gender discrimination and lack of prioritizing geriatric heath care needs in a routine health system are some of the other problems identified. These problems have to be addressed by the public health planners and policy makers to provide equitable and quality health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Shalini
- Department of Community Medicine, ACS Medical College, Vellappanchavadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Muthinarayanan Logaraj
- Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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27
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Blanchard J, Solaipandian M, John EB, Pandith M, Jeo B, Saji S, Kumar A, May L, Davey K, Douglass K, Smith J. Self-prescribing of antibiotics by patients seeking care in Indian emergency departments. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2021; 2:e12432. [PMID: 33969344 PMCID: PMC8082699 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat. India has one of the highest rates of antibiotic use in the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-prescribed antibiotic use of patients presenting with febrile and infectious disease-related complaints to Indian emergency departments. METHODS This was a prospective observational study conducted at 6 Indian emergency departments (EDs) between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. Adult patients who presented with a chief complaint of febrile illness or infectious disease complaints were included. Our principal outcomes of interest were self-prescribed use of antibiotics within the prior 6 months or for the presenting complaint. We queried respondents about source of antibiotics as well as about demographic characteristics that influenced use. RESULTS A total of 1421 patients were enrolled. Sixty percent (n = 856) of respondents reported using antibiotics in the prior 6 months or for their current complaint. Those who reported self-prescribing antibiotics either in the past or currently had at least some college education (P < 0.001), tended to use the pharmacy (P < 0.001) or the ED (P = 0.001) for their care when sick, and were more likely to have some comorbid conditions (P = 0.014) as compared to the group that did not self-prescribe antibiotics. The most common reason respondents reported self-prescribing antibiotics was because they did not want to wait to see their doctor (n = 278, 33%). Thirty-five percent of patients who were self-prescribed antibiotics before presentation did not receive and were not prescribed antibiotics in the ED, at discharge, or both. CONCLUSIONS Self-prescribing of antibiotics occurs commonly in India. This use increases the risk for resistance due to inappropriate or unnecessary use. Promotion of antibiotic stewardship is needed to curtail such use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Blanchard
- Department of Emergency MedicineGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | | | | | - Moin Pandith
- Max Super Specialty HospitalPatparganj, MaxDelhiIndia
| | - Binu Jeo
- Baby Memorial HospitalCalicutKeralaIndia
| | - Sherin Saji
- MGM Muthood Medical Centre HospitalKozhencherryPathanamthittaIndia
| | | | - Larissa May
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kevin Davey
- Department of Emergency MedicineGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Katherine Douglass
- Department of Emergency MedicineGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Jeffrey Smith
- Department of Emergency MedicineGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
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Teketel EW. Socioeconomic Determinants of Health Contributing to the Consumption of Nonprescribed Medicines in Ethiopia. Patient Prefer Adherence 2021; 15:213-226. [PMID: 33568898 PMCID: PMC7868285 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s278659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social determinants of health are understood as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that shapes health and include a domain of factors. Self-medication is influenced by these socioeconomic factors. This study, aims to quantitatively examine the relationship between these factors and the use of nonprescribed medicines and then identify which of the factors have the highest predictable value in Ethiopia. METHODS A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, community-based research approach was used to explore the relationship between the dependent and independent variables in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, bivariate and regression analysis were used in the analysis. RESULTS A total of 72.2% (n=433) participants were found to have an ever experience of self-medication in their life and 35.7%) (n=214) have the practice in the last two months. Bivariate analysis showed that in the predisposing factors categories: age group (50-59) (p-value=0.034); those who are knowledgeable about all drugs not to be given to nursing mother (p-value=0.006); those who agree on the attitude that they would rather treat themselves than go to the nearest health facility (p-value=0.000) in the enabling factors; those who were satisfied with their financial quality of life (p-value=0.014) and from the need factors; those who perceived their health status as good (p-value=0.000) showed a significant association. Multivariate analysis showed that age, knowledge, attitudes showed statistical significance. Also, quality of life satisfaction of enabling factors and illness in the past two months from need factors had a statistically significant effect as predictors of utilization of nonprescribed medicines. CONCLUSION To strategize for appropriate self-medication, interventions should focus on changing the knowledge, attitude, and perception of the specific sociodemographic factors identified in the study.
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29
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Choudhary N, Lahiri K, Singh M. Increase and consequences of self-medication in dermatology during COVID-19 pandemic: An initial observation. Dermatol Ther 2021; 34:e14696. [PMID: 33350545 PMCID: PMC7883255 DOI: 10.1111/dth.14696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Choudhary
- Department of Dermatology, LN Medical College & JK Hospital, Bhopal, India
| | - Koushik Lahiri
- Department of Dermatology, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Mehak Singh
- Department of Dermatology, LN Medical College & JK Hospital, Bhopal, India
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Puvvada RK, Gupta S, Tang CY, N Althubyani A, Jois M, Higgs P, Ramesh M, Thomas J. Factors affecting self-medication practices among people living with type 2 diabetes in India- A systematic review. Metabol Open 2020; 9:100073. [PMID: 33364596 PMCID: PMC7753190 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2020.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-medication practices of type 2 diabetes in India include the use of both traditional and western medications. It is important to understand the factors influencing self-medication. A total of 3257 studies were screened and nine studies (six quantitative and three qualitative) were included. The Hawker tool and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool were used to assess the quality of studies. The findings of the quantitative studies were descriptively analysed while thematic analysis was performed to identify key themes from the qualitative studies. The analysis indicated that participants had greater trust in traditional medications regardless of their socioeconomic and/or educational backgrounds as these were often recommended by friends and family members. Low cost, ease of availability and perceived lower side effects of traditional medications were some of the factors contributing to greater trust. It is suggested that ongoing management of type 2 diabetes requires stringent policies and regulations in the dispensing of traditional and western medications. Continual education to inform people on the use of self-medications and its possible adverse effects is also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Krishna Puvvada
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Australia
- JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sabrina Gupta
- Department of Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Clarice Y Tang
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Australia
- Department of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Anwar N Althubyani
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Markandeya Jois
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Department of Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - M. Ramesh
- JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Jency Thomas
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Australia
- Corresponding author. Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Onchonga D, Omwoyo J, Nyamamba D. Assessing the prevalence of self-medication among healthcare workers before and during the 2019 SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic in Kenya. Saudi Pharm J 2020; 28:1149-1154. [PMID: 32837218 PMCID: PMC7426227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-medication plays a key role in public health as it influences both negatively and positively on the health of individuals and the existing healthcare systems. This is especially the case during public health emergencies like the 2019 SARS-CoV-2 disease. OBJECTIVES The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of self-medication before and during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers and its associated factors. METHODS Stratified sampling was used to select 379 study respondents. The authors developed an online questionnaire, pretested and submitted to various online professional groups of different cadres of healthcare workers. Collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The data was presented in tables, graphs, percentages, and cross-tabulation with different variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain factors that influence an individual's desire to self-medicate and associations were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS The overall prevalence of self-medication increased from 36.2% (n = 137) before the pandemic to 60.4% (n = 229) during the pandemic. The respondents' gender, level of education, age, marital status, participation in physical activity, and drug reaction events, were significantly associated with self-medication before and during the outbreak (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that participants engaging in physical activities, working during the day and being healthy were less likely to self-medicate (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Self-medication is an important health issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuous awareness creation and sensitization could help in reducing self-medication practices among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Onchonga
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Hungary
- Ministry of Health- Samburu County, Kenya
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Al-Ghamdi S, Alfauri TM, Alharbi MA, Alsaihati MM, Alshaykh MM, Alharbi AA, Aljaizani NS, Allehiby IA, Alzahrani MA, Alharbi AS. Current self-medication practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: an observational study. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 37:51. [PMID: 33209178 PMCID: PMC7648480 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.37.51.24098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction medication without prescription is a growing public health concern or phenomenon worldwide. This cross-sectional study was designed to study the trends of self-medication among Saudi population. Methods a prospective, cross-sectional study including 2004 participants was carried out from different family clinics across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The clinicians used a self-designed questionnaire to collect the data, using stringent inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. The questionnaire recorded participants' demographics and included several closed-ended and open-ended questions with options to choose from. The results were gathered, inserted into an excel spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The analyzed information was presented as frequencies and percentages. Results our research showed that 924 respondents (46.1%) found it difficult to reach a hospital. Another 45.2% considered the inefficiency of health centers in providing necessary care as the main reason for self-medication. Other causes of self-medication included a lack of medical insurance, insurance not covering the costs for the drugs, and symptoms of the disease being mild enough for not going to the hospital. Analgesics were the most commonly self-administered drugs (84.58%), followed by antipyretics (71.26%), cough syrups (46.86%), eye drops (35.98%), antibiotics (35.28%), flu medication (32.83%), heartburn medication (23.15%), medicines for joint pain (15.02%), and so on. Conclusion the majority of Saudi Arabians engage in self-medication and rely on advice from friends and family most of the time, instead of consulting a health professional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj11942,Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
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Chapagain K, Rauniyar GP. Self-medication Practices among the Peri-urban Households of Two Communities of Dharan Sub-metropolitan city of Eastern Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2020; 58:569-573. [PMID: 32968290 PMCID: PMC7580369 DOI: 10.31729/jnma.5185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Self-medication practice is the use of medication without prescription of health care professionals. Drug resistance, drug side effects, wastage of resources, and serious health hazards including death are associated with self-medication. We conducted this study to find out the prevalence of self-medication among the peri-urban population of two randomly selected communities of Dharan, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among people residing in two randomly selected wards of peri-urban areas of Dharan from November 2017 and April 2018 after obtaining ethical clearance (IRC/1030/017). A pretested, structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were collected and entered in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 11.5; point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Among 426 respondents, the overall prevalence of self-medication was 312 (73.23%) at 95% Confidence Interval (67.83-78.63%). It was more common among female 158 (78.60%). Common symptoms were headache 201 (64.42%), fever 135 (43.26%), gastrointestinal 93 (29.8%) and respiratory illness 87 (27.88%). Analgesics and antipyretics 275 (88.14%) were the most common drugs selfmedicated with. Seeking opinion from pharmacist 112 (35.89%) was the commonest method adopted to procure drugs and comfort 127 (40.7%) and time constraints 122 (39.1%) were the commonest reasons. Conclusions: Prevalence of self-medication among the peri-urban population was similar to other studies. Headache and fever was the common symptoms for which self-medication were adopted. Awareness regarding potential dangers of self-medication and different drug side effects are recommended at the community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumud Chapagain
- Departmentof Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Gajendra Prasad Rauniyar
- Departmentof Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
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Rezaei S, Hajizadeh M, Ahmadi S, Ebrahimi M, Karami Matin B. Socioeconomic Inequality in Self-Medication in Iran: Cross-Sectional Analyses at the National and Subnational Levels. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 12:411-421. [PMID: 32848432 PMCID: PMC7425653 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s252244] [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: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication (SM) is a public health concern globally. This study aimed to measure socioeconomic inequality in SM and identify its main determinants among Iranian households. Methods A total of 38,859 households from the 2018 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) were included in the study. Data on SM, household size, age, gender and education status of the head of household, monthly household’s expenditures (as a proxy for socioeconomic status), health insurance coverage and living areas and provinces were obtained for the survey. The concentration curve and the normalized concentration index (Cn) were used to quantify the magnitude of socioeconomic inequality in SM among Iranian households. The Cn was decomposed to identify the main determinants of socioeconomic inequality in SM in Iran. Results The results indicated that 18.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.7% to 18.5%) of households in Iran had SM practice in the past month. The results suggested a higher concentration of SM among the rich households (Cn= 0.0466; 95% CI= 0.0321 to 0.0612) in Iran. The concentration of SM among high SES households was also found in urban (0.0311; 95% CI=0.0112 to 0.0510) and rural (= 0.0513; 95% CI=0.0301 to 0.0726) areas. SM was concentrated among the rich households in Tehran, Qom, Esfahan, Ardebil, Golestan, and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. In contrast, a higher concentration of SM was found among the poor households in Semnan, North Khorasan, Kerman, Bushehr, and South Khorasan provinces. The decomposition revealed SES of household, itself, as the main contributing factor to the concentration of SM among the wealthy households. Conclusion This study demonstrated that SM is more concentrated among socioeconomically advantaged households in Iran. Thus, effective evidence-based interventions should be implemented to improve awareness about SM and its negative consequences. Further studies are required to investigate the consequences of SM practice among people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satar Rezaei
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hajizadeh
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sina Ahmadi
- Department of Social Welfare Management, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ebrahimi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Behzad Karami Matin
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Simegn W, Dagnew B, Dagne H. Self-Medication Practice and Associated Factors Among Health Professionals at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:2539-2546. [PMID: 32801792 PMCID: PMC7399467 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s257667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication is the use of medication to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms. In the current time, there has been an increasing tendency in self-medication in pharmacies and retail outlets in our country Ethiopia and alarmingly high in healthcare professionals. In spite of the adverse impacts, there were scarcity of data on self-medication practice among health professionals in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the practice of self-medication and its determinant factors among health professionals at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A Cross-sectional study design was employed using a simple random sampling technique to recruit the study participants. We used self-administered questionnaires to collect the data. Epi Info 7 and SPSS 20 were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. Frequencies and mean with standard deviation were computed. Measure of association between self-medication and independent factors was determined using logistic regression. Variables with a p<0.05 were declared as determinant factors of self-medication practice. Results Four hundred and twelve health professionals were involved in the study with a mean age of 29.9 years (±5.43, range=20–60). In this study, self-medication practice was 54.6% (95% CI: 49.8–59.4). Health professionals who had worked less than 3 years after last graduation (AOR=1.67, 95% CI (1.02, 2.76)), those with 44–55 working hours per week (AOR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.07,5.57), and who knew over-the-counter classification of drugs (AOR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.03,2.99) had significantly higher self-medication practice. Conclusion Self-medication practice was remarkably high in the current study which is a major public health problem. The findings suggest a cooperative implementation of pharmaceutical regulations particularly focusing on those health professionals with high working hours per week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wudneh Simegn
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Baye Dagnew
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Moonajilin MS, Mamun MA, Rahman ME, Mahmud MF, Al Mamun AHMS, Rana MS, Gozal D. Prevalence and Drivers of Self-Medication Practices among Savar Residents in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2020; 13:743-752. [PMID: 32753987 PMCID: PMC7354917 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s256272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-medication practice (SMP) is widely adopted among residents of such countries as Bangladesh. However, the major determinants of SMP have only scarcely been evaluated. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the prevalence and determining factors of SMP. METHODS A convenience sample of individuals residing in Savar (Dhaka, Bangladesh) >16 years of age and suffering from an illness >2 months underwent face-to-face interviews during January-February, 2019. RESULTS Among 520 interviewees fulfilling entry criteria, the prevalence of SMP was reported as 60.2%. Drug shops, previous knowledge or prescription, and consulting with peers (friends or relatives) were the most sought sources of SMP, whereas simple illness, higher consulting fees, unsatisfactory health-care services, and delayed access were reported as the motives. From the regression analysis, the sociodemographic risk factors of SMP were reported as being older (compared to <18 years), married, illiterate (compared to having higher education), having engaged in any occupation (ie, service, business, homemaker, and others compared to student), and suffering from chronic illness. CONCLUSION SMP is highly prevalent and exhibits significant socioeconomic determinants. Development of proper health care-access systems and public education should be implemented to reduce the rate of SMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mst Sabrina Moonajilin
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed A Mamun
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Undergraduate Research Organization, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Estiar Rahman
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Firoz Mahmud
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A H M Shamim Al Mamun
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sajib Rana
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - David Gozal
- Child Health Research Institute, Department of Child Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO65201, USA
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Paudel S, Aryal B. Exploration of self-medication practice in Pokhara valley of Nepal. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:714. [PMID: 32429936 PMCID: PMC7236217 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08860-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-medication (SM) is the practice of consuming medication without the consultation of physician. The drugs most commonly self-medicated are paracetamol, analgesics, ranitidine, oral rehydration solution and antibiotics. The objective of the study was to assess the SM status and its causes in Pokhara valley of Nepal. METHOD The study was conducted among the people residing in Pokhara metropolitan city. The study duration was of 4 months from April to July, 2018. The study population were patients attending health general and oral health screening programs at Baidam, Birauta, Hemja and Pame areas of Pokhara. Structured questionnaire was used to collect demographics of the patients and the details of the usage of self-medication. RESULT Out of 201 patients, 38.2% patients were found to be self-medicating. The most common illness sought for SM was ache (headache, body ache) in 50% subjects followed by cough and cold in 31% and gastritis in 23%. Paracetamol was the drug consumed by 16 subjects followed by nimesulide by 11. Lack of knowledge about the disadvantages of SM led to self-medication in 65% of respondents. The personnel most commonly consulted for medication were pharmacists (60%). CONCLUSION The trend of SM is high in Pokhara valley. The comedics were consulted most often for SM due to lack of knowledge of consultation to physicians. The public should be made aware about SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabita Paudel
- Department of Pharmacology, Gandaki Medical College - Teaching Hospital, Rithepani, Pokhara, Nepal.
| | - Bijay Aryal
- Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, Karnali province, Nepal
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Moreira TDA, Alvares-Teodoro J, Barbosa MM, Guerra Júnior AA, Acurcio FDA. Use of medicines by adults in primary care: Survey on health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2020; 23:e200025. [PMID: 32401914 DOI: 10.1590/1980-549720200025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inappropriate use and increase of health care spending reinforce the need to extend our knowledge about the quality of medication use. OBJECTIVES To describe and evaluate the profile of medication use in a representative sample of adult users of primary care services in the Unified Health System (SUS) of Minas Gerais. METHOD Cross-sectional study, with 1,159 interviewees in 104 municipalities and 253 health care services. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions and use of medicines were collected, and these variables were stratified by age group. Univariate and multivariate analyses, using logistic regression, were conducted to identify predictors of self-medication. We set a significance level of 5% for all tests. RESULTS The prevalence of medication use was 81.8%, with an average of 2.67 medicines per user, which increased with age. The most used drugs were losartan, hydrochlorothiazide and simvastatin, which differed between age groups. Significant self-medication was observed not only in young adults but also in the elderly. The predictors of self-medication were: being a young adult, having a higher level of education, not having chronic diseases, having worse self-perception of health and not adhering to prescription drugs. Young and elderly adults showed characteristics that made them more vulnerable in relation to the rational use of medicines. CONCLUSION This study can contribute to improving primary care, where it identified problems related to the extent of medication use, especially among young adults and the elderly in Minas Gerais.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais de Abreu Moreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alvares-Teodoro
- Departamento de Farmácia Social, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mariana Michel Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicamentos e Assistência Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Augusto Afonso Guerra Júnior
- Departamento de Farmácia Social, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Francisco de Assis Acurcio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Subashini N, Udayanga L. Demographic, socio-economic and other associated risk factors for self-medication behaviour among university students of Sri Lanka: a cross sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:613. [PMID: 32366238 PMCID: PMC7197154 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08622-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-prescribing practices are considered as a significant issue in the health sector due to mal-practices. This has become a more worsen issue in developing countries with easy access to medication. Current study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of self-medication and to evaluate the driving factors behind this behavior, among university students of Sri Lanka. Method A total of 700 randomly selected undergraduates of three state universities in Sri Lanka, were recruited as the study population for the cross-sectional study. Information on socio-demographic, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices relevant to Self-Medication (SM) were gathered using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the Odds Ratios (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals of the OR for socio-demographic risk factors on SM. Results Around 78% of the studied population denoted a SM behaviour. Only, 37.7% of respondents were familiar with the classification of “Over the Counter” (OTC) drugs, while majority were well aware of the risks of SM (> 50%). Fever (61.3%) and cough (56.7%) were the major health issues for SM, while antipyretics and drugs for cough and runny nose (73.6%) were the mostly used medication. Previous experience (76%) and trivial nature of health issues (73%) were recognized as the major reasons for SM. Majority of respondents declared that community pharmacies (86.9%) and left over medication from previous prescriptions (51%) were the sources for SM. Based on the binary logistic regression, age, residence locality, field of study and academic year were recognized as significant risk factors (P < 0.05) for SM within the studied undergraduate population. Conclusion Based on the high prevalence rate of SM, the health authorities of Sri Lanka should pay more attention towards the wellbeing and responsible medication usage of undergraduates. Designing of effective tools and regulations to monitor the selling of medication and improving the health education are recommended to ensure responsible SM within the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirma Subashini
- Department of Horticulture & Landscape Gardening, Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management, Makadura, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Gonawila, Sri Lanka
| | - Lahiru Udayanga
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management, Makadura, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Gonawila, Sri Lanka.
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Ansari M, Alanazi A, Moin A. Consumers' awareness, attitude and associated factors towards self-medication in Hail, Saudi Arabia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232322. [PMID: 32343748 PMCID: PMC7188286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To determine the factors motivating the consumers towards self-medication, the intended indications and the consumers’ perceptions about complications that may arise due to its use. Design Cross-sectional community based prospective study Place and duration of study Community pharmacies located at various locations of Hail, Saudi Arabia from January 2019 to March 2019. Methods The subjects of this cross-sectional study were people visiting community pharmacies for self-medication. Data on 663 participants was collected through a validated questionnaire prepared on the basis of WHO guidelines for the regulatory assessment of medicinal products for use in self-medication. Two trained data collectors visited the randomly selected community pharmacies, approached and interviewed the consumers purchasing medicines without prescriptions. Data was entered in SPSS and analyzed using descriptive and inferential analyses (alpha level = 0.05). Results Out of 663 respondents, 68.6% were university graduates; and 33.9% were healthcare professionals. Consumers preferred self-medication mainly for headache (85.8%), cold and sore throat (80.8%), cough (75.7%) and fever (71.8%) with the justification that these illnesses were minor (90.2%), time saving (82.2%), convenient (74.7%), quicker relief (66.1%), and economical (61.2%). Occupation was significantly associated with the reasons for preferring self-medication (p<0.001). Similarly, age, gender and education were also significantly associated with most of the reasons for opting self-medication. People were quite aware about harmful consequences of self-medication. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the respondents with lower education (AOR = 2.404 [95% CI: 1.579–3.661]), non-healthcare professionals (AOR = 1.712 [95% CI: 1.143–2.565]) and higher monthly income (AOR = 0.376 [95% CI: 0.236–0.599]) preferred self-medication (p <0.001, p = 0.009, p <0.001) respectively. Conclusion Self-medication was prevalent among young university graduate males for minor ailments mainly due to convenience and time saving. Despite people beliefs about the harmful consequences of self-medication, its use was omnipresent particularly among the respondents with lower education, non-healthcare professionals and people with higher monthly income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukhtar Ansari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail:
| | - Abdulrahman Alanazi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afrasim Moin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
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Atmadani RN, Nkoka O, Yunita SL, Chen YH. Self-medication and knowledge among pregnant women attending primary healthcare services in Malang, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:42. [PMID: 31948428 PMCID: PMC6966862 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-2736-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is an important public health concern, especially in the vulnerable population of pregnant women due to potential risks to both the mother and fetus. Few studies have studied how factors, such as knowledge, affect self-medication. This study investigated self-medication and its associated factors among pregnant women attending healthcare services in Malang, Indonesia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2018 in five healthcare services. A self-administered questionnaire was used and the data were analyzed using multiple regression models. RESULTS Of 333 female participants, 39 (11.7%) used OTC medication. Women with a higher level of knowledge of OTC medication were more likely to self-medicate-adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-4.46. Compared with those with less knowledge, pregnant women with more correct knowledge of the possible risk of self-medication were less likely to self-medicate-aOR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.14-0.60. The effect of a higher level of knowledge of OTC medication was significant among women who had middle school and lower education-aOR = 8.18; 95% CI = 1.70-39.35. The effect of correct knowledge on the possible risks of self-medication was significant only among women with high school and higher education-aOR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.07-0.42. CONCLUSION Imparting specific knowledge of the potential risks of using non-prescribed medication during pregnancy may help pregnant women navigate and more safely manage their OTC use. We also suggest further collecting data from more healthcare services, such as hospitals, to obtain more findings generalizable to the Indonesian community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizka Novia Atmadani
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Health Science, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Kampus II, Malang, Indonesia.,School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Owen Nkoka
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sendi Lia Yunita
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Health Science, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Kampus II, Malang, Indonesia.,School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Koji EM, Gebretekle GB, Tekle TA. Practice of over-the-counter dispensary of antibiotics for childhood illnesses in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a simulated patient encounter study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2019; 8:119. [PMID: 31346460 PMCID: PMC6636089 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-019-0571-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dispensary and use of antibiotics without prescriptions from qualified providers is a common practice in countries with poor pharmaceutical regulations and where due focus is not given to rational use. This practice is a main factor for the spread of antimicrobial resistance due to its non-reliance on pre-treatment microbiologic work-up, improper indications and dosing errors. This study was conducted to determine the rate of over-the-counter dispensary of antibiotics for common childhood illnesses among privately owned medicine retail outlets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods Pre-determined simulated patient visits depicting common childhood illnesses were employed to request antibiotics without prescriptions. A simple random sampling was used to select medicine retail outlets within Addis Ababa city. Trained data collectors filled structured data forms (including antibiotic requested, reasons for denial of dispense and details enquired by pharmacist) shortly after each patient enactment. Multi-variable logistic regression analysis was employed to explore factors associated with over-the-counter sales of antibiotics. Results A total of 262 simulated encounters were surveyed. Of the 262 verbal antibiotic requests, 63.4% were dispensed. Close to 60% of encounters were accompanied by questions about a doctor's visit or the child's symptomatology while a past history of drug allergies was enquired in only 11.1% of visits. Over-the-counter dispensary was more likely when dispenser queried about symptoms was made (AOR: 2.412, 95%CI: 1.236, 4.706), for requests for more than one antibiotics (AOR: 2.988, 95%CI: 1.258, 7.095) and for simulated patient demands for oral antibiotics for children with acute diarrhea (AOR: 3.297, 95%CI: 1.248, 8.712) and parenteral antibiotics for those reported to receive in-patient care for pneumonia (4.516, 95% CI: 1.720, 11.857). Conclusions The prevalence of providing antibiotics over-the-counter for pediatric illnesses in Addis Ababa is markedly high. Further studies into factors encouraging this malpractice are required. Enhancing education of personnel dispensing antibiotics and strict enforcement of national regulations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyosait Mekonnen Koji
- 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Tinsae Alemayehu Tekle
- 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Ha TV, Nguyen AMT, Nguyen HST. Self-medication practices among Vietnamese residents in highland provinces. J Multidiscip Healthc 2019; 12:493-502. [PMID: 31456640 PMCID: PMC6620316 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s211420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Monitoring self-medication practice, which refers to individuals using medicine without instructions of physicians, is critical to control its harmful effects. However, in Vietnam, evidence about self-medication among individuals in highland areas is constrained. This study examined self-medication practice among residents living in highland areas in Vietnam and determined associated factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in five highland provinces with 1000 individuals. Information about individual and household's socioeconomic status and self-medication practice in the last 12 months was surveyed. Multivariate logistic and Poisson regressions were used to identify associated factors with self-medication. Results: 83.3% reported self-medication in the last 12 months, with the mean times of self-medication being 4.5 times (SD=4.1). Female (OR=0.62, p<0.01), ethnic minorities, higher number of members having health insurance in family (OR=0.82, p<0.01) and higher annual household income (OR=0.78, p<0.05) were associated with the lower likelihood of "Only buy medicines at pharmacy stores when having illness in the last 12 month". Moreover, people who were females (OR=0.59, p<0.05), white-collar worker (OR=0.25, p<0.01) and had higher number of children in the family (OR=0.68, p<0.05) were less likely to practice self-medication. People who were ethnic minorities, white-collar worker (Coef.=-0.32, p<0.01) and higher number of members having health insurance in family had lower times of self-medication in the last 12 months compared to other groups. Meanwhile, individuals having higher number of members in the family (Coef.=0.07, p<0.01) and higher annual household income (Coef.=0.08, p<0.01) had highertimes of self-medication in the last 12 months. Conclusion: Residents in highland areas in Vietnam had a considerably high 12-month prevalence of self-medication. Medical products quality management and self-medication guideline are potential to maximize the effects of self-medication. Moreover, promoting the use of health insurance should also be concerned as a solution to address this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Van Ha
- Department of Health Insurance, Ministry of Health of Vietnam, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - An Mai Thi Nguyen
- Department of Planning and Financing, Ministry of Health of Vietnam, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Ha Song Thi Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Management, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
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Haque M, Rahman NAA, McKimm J, Kibria GM, Azim Majumder MA, Haque SZ, Islam MZ, Binti Abdullah SL, Daher AM, Zulkifli Z, Rahman S, Kabir R, Lutfi SNNB, Aishah Binti Othman NS. Self-medication of antibiotics: investigating practice among university students at the Malaysian National Defence University. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:1333-1351. [PMID: 31190922 PMCID: PMC6529675 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s203364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Self-medication of drugs to alleviate symptoms is a common global behavior, helping relieve burdens on health services, but many drugs eg, antibiotics are prescription-only. Self-medication of antibiotics (SMA) is an irrational use of drugs, contributing to microbial resistance increasing health care costs and higher mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to assess SMA among university students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among medical and non-medical students of the National Defence University of Malaysia. A validated instrument was used to gather data. Ethics approval was obtained. Random and universal sampling was adopted, and SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 649 students participated in the study: 48.5% male and 51.5% female, 39.3% reported self-medicating with antibiotics. Penicillin, doxycycline, clarithromycin were the antibiotics most used with the majority reporting no adverse drug reactions. Cost savings and convenience were the principal reasons for SMA which were mainly obtained from local retail pharmacies. Despite medical students (particularly the more senior) having better knowledge of antibiotic use than non-medical students, 89% of all research participants responded that practicing SMA was a good/acceptable practice. Conclusion: SMA is common amongst Malaysian students and, despite understanding why SMA is unwise, even medical students self-medicate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mainul Haque
- Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Nor Azlina A Rahman
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation Sciences, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, 25200, Malaysia
| | - Judy McKimm
- Swansea University School of Medicine, Grove Building, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Golam Mohammad Kibria
- Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Md Anwarul Azim Majumder
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies
| | - Seraj Zohurul Haque
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
| | - Md Zakirul Islam
- Department of Pharmacology, Eastern Medical College, Burichang3520, Bangladesh
| | - Shahidah Leong Binti Abdullah
- Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Aqil Mohammad Daher
- Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Zainal Zulkifli
- Department of Surgery, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital, Temerloh, Pahang, 28000, Malaysia
| | - Sayeeda Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, School of Medicine, American University of Integrative Sciences, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Russell Kabir
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, UK
| | - Siti Nur Najihah Binti Lutfi
- Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Nur Syamirah Aishah Binti Othman
- Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
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Jember E, Feleke A, Debie A, Asrade G. Self-medication practices and associated factors among households at Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:153. [PMID: 30890186 PMCID: PMC6425615 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4195-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Self-medication practice is the selection and use of medicines by individuals or a member of the individual’s family without physician’s order to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions. It is highly prone to inappropriate use and wastage of resources, increase drug resistance pathogens and adverse reactions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess self-medication practices and associated factors among households at Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Results This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among households at Gondar town from March to June, 2018. The overall prevalence of self-medication practices among households at Gondar town were 50.2%. The odds of self-medication practices among unmarried participants (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI 2.35, 5.34), influenced by peer (AOR = 3.58; 95% CI 2.89, 7.28), poor perceived quality of health care services (AOR = 4.67; 95% CI 2.56, 7.96) and access to pharmacy (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI 1.65, 6.76) were higher compared with their counterparts. In the contrary, the lesser odd was observed among knowledgeable participants about medications (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.16, 0.39) compared with non-knowledgeable. Therefore, improving perception of participants about quality of services, conducting awareness creation and managing negative effects of peer may reduce self-medication practices. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-019-4195-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebabu Jember
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Business, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Amsalu Feleke
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O.Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ayal Debie
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O.Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Geta Asrade
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O.Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Bhad R, Gupta R, Balhara YPS. A study of pathways to care among opioid dependent individuals seeking treatment at a community de-addiction clinic in India. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2019; 19:490-502. [PMID: 30633657 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2018.1542528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Drug use, including opioid use disorder, is one of the rapidly rising and serious problems affecting populations globally. There is a treatment gap and delay in presentation of drug users to treatment centers. The present study aimed at assessing the pathways to care among opioid-dependent individuals seeking treatment from a community-based treatment center in India. In a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a community clinic of the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), New Delhi, India, a total of 100 treatment-seeking drug users (age 18-60 years) fulfilling DSM IV TR criteria for opioid dependence were recruited. The data were collected using a semistructured pro forma based on patient self-report and the encounter form used in the World Health Organization (WHO) Pathway Study. All participants were male, were mostly married, were employed, and belonged to nuclear families. Ninety-eight percent of participants has ever used heroin in a dependent fashion and 20% were using it currently. Mean age of the participants was 40.83 years (SD 12.7). Median age of onset of heroin use was 22 years (IQR 12). Median duration of heroin use was 138 months (IQR 132). Only 21% of participants visited the community deaddiction clinic at the first contact with care. The median time for first treatment-seeking attempt was 9.5 years (IQR 7). The study findings suggest significant delay between onset of drug-related problems and first treatment contact. There is a need to increase the availability and accessibility of treatment services to reduce the delay in treatment seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Bhad
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rishab Gupta
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Oyediran OO, Ayandiran EO, Olatubi MI, Olabode O. Awareness of risks associated with Self-medication among Patients attending General Out-patient Department of a Tertiary Hospital in South Western Nigeria. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AFRICA NURSING SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Shayeste Y, Jafari D, Hosseinpour R, Daie S. Prevalence of Self-Medication among the Elderly in Gorgan, North of Iran. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BASIC RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.29252/jcbr.2.4.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Susheela F, Goruntla N, Bhupalam PK, Veerabhadrappa KV, Sahithi B, Ishrar SMG. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice toward responsible self-medication among students of pharmacy colleges located in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2018; 7:96. [PMID: 30159342 PMCID: PMC6088819 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_175_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Responsible self-medication plays a vital role in appropriate use of nonprescription drugs which will improve safety and reduces unwanted effects of drugs. AIM This study is designed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward responsible self-medication among pharmacy students. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A cross-sectional survey was conducted in pharmacy students of various colleges located in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 403 pharmacy students were enrolled and subjected for interview using prevalidated KAP questionnaire on responsible self-medication. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Descriptive statistics were used to represent the sociodemographic characteristics and KAP levels. Association of socio-demographic variables with KAP levels are determined using the Chi-square test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 403 pharmacy students are recruited in the study, in these 19 (4.7%) diploma in pharmacy, 260 (64.5%) bachelor in pharmacy, 27 (6.7%) master in pharmacy, and 97 (24.1%) are doctor of pharmacy. Among 403 respondents, 150 (37.2%) good knowledge, 397 (98.5%) positive attitude, and 170 (42.2%) practice toward responsible self-medication. Respondent's age, pharmacy division, residence, and their parents' profession were significantly associated with good knowledge and rational practice toward responsible self-medication with a P < 0.05. CONCLUSION The study concludes that pharmacy students are shown more positive attitude toward responsible self-medication. However, students are lack of knowledge and practice of responsible self-medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Susheela
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Narayana Goruntla
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Bhupalam
- Department of Pharmacology, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - K. V. Veerabhadrappa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Bogireddy Sahithi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - S. M. G. Ishrar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
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