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Ranganathan P, Deo V, Pramesh CS. Sample size calculation in clinical research. Perspect Clin Res 2024; 15:155-159. [PMID: 39140012 PMCID: PMC11318789 DOI: 10.4103/picr.picr_100_24] [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: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Calculation of sample size is an essential part of research study design since it affects the reliability and feasibility of the research study. In this article, we look at the principles of sample size calculation for different types of research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Ranganathan
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vishal Deo
- National Institute for Research in Digital Health and Data Science, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - C. S. Pramesh
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Administration, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Alghamdi SMS, Alzahrani RAJ, Alghamdi SSA, Alzahrani RMA, Alghamdi HAA, Alghamdi DAM, Alzahrani MAS, Fouad AA, Alzahrani RA, Alghamdi MA. Self-Medication Practices Among the General Population in Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e50810. [PMID: 38249219 PMCID: PMC10797161 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The practice of self-medication (SM) is the use of self-consuming medication without consulting healthcare which carries its own risks. SM patterns differ across populations and are influenced by several factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SM practices in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, to identify the factors contributing to this practice and develop effective strategies to decrease its occurrence and associated risks. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al Baha Province, Saudi Arabia, over two weeks in July 2023, with a sample of 580 participants. Eligible participants were males and females, both Saudi and non-Saudi, aged 18-65. The data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. Results Of all participants, 48.7% admitted taking medications without a healthcare practitioner's prescription in the last three months. Analgesics were the most common SM (29.1%), followed by vitamins and minerals (16.2%), and antipyretics (14.1%). The side effects experienced from SM included nausea (24.5%), headache (20.5%), and shortness of breath (8.7%). Regarding the source of medication, the majority (61.9%) obtained medications from a pharmacy and 14.6% used existing stock. Age was significantly associated with higher rates in the 18-29 and 40-49 age groups. Educational status was significantly associated with higher SM among graduates. Regarding reading medical instructions, 39.2% always read, 47.7% sometimes read, and 13.1% never read. Regarding antibiotic SM, 61 participants reported using over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotics. Common reasons for use included sore throat (27.8%) and common cold (19.6%). The most common reason for SM was to save time (25.9%), followed by avoiding crowds and long waits (17.1%). Conclusions A significant prevalence of SM practice concerning antibiotic misuse and sex differences with female dominance was detected. We recommend further public awareness activities from related organizations and more regulations for OTC prescription practices to ensure safe SM practices. In addition, further research is needed to explore SM patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amr A Fouad
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, SAU
| | - Rajab A Alzahrani
- Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, SAU
| | - Mohammed A Alghamdi
- Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, SAU
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