IS ONLINE SEARCH FOR MEDICATION INFORMATION WILL BECOME A NEW DIMENSION FOR NONCOMPLIANCE

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of online medication information on adherence and beliefs with chronic illness. Methods: The study was carried out at a tertiary-care teaching hospital. A questionnaire was used to assess beliefs on the online information, stopped the medication without consultation, missed dose based on information on online, trust on information provided by the health care provider, type and frequency of the online search information on medications and finally, adhere to the medication regimen. Results: A total of 95 participants were interviewed and 60 participants were showed interest to participate in the study. Chronic illness conditions among them were mostly hypertension, diabetes milletus followed by asthma and COPD, renal failure, inflammation and convulsions. Seeking online health information 30% daily, 33% weekly, monthly 10%, rarely 16% never 10%. The information mostly searched around 40% of treatment options, 35% of medication information and flowed by disease symptoms, dietary advises and physical exercises. Belief on online information was 66.7% positively and 33.3 negatively. Trust on healthcare provider about medication information the complete trust 60%, somewhat trust 38.30%, not trust was 1.6%. Only 15% subjects felt difficulty to adhere to medication regimen. Conclusion: Despite of participants searching for online health information, still they have strong belief on prescription and medication adherence.