Use of medications by patients who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Reflections for the promotion of rational use

Abstract

BackgroundPharmacists are often unable to maintain satisfactory communication with people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHoH), potentially exposing those who are DHoH to various risks related to the use of medications. ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of medications, knowledge on their rational use, and communication with the pharmacist during the dispensing of medications among people who are DHoH. MethodsA pilot cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2020 and May 2020 among those who are DHoH in Brazil. Data were collected using an online questionnaire about sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the use of medications, knowledge on the rational use of medications, and communication with the pharmacist during dispensing. The questionnaire was developed in Brazilian sign language. ResultsTwenty-one responses were obtained. The mean age of the respondents was 31.9 years, 67% were women, and 38% had cochlear implants. The most used medications were analgesics (22.2%) and anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs (14.3%). The responses to the 20 statements on the rational use of medications resulted in a mean of 12.6 correct responses per individual. Almost all participants provided correct responses to the statements about medication intake times and expiration dates of medications. Only 33.3% of the patients responded that they would approach the pharmacist if they had questions regarding the medications. Most of the participants were dissatisfied with pharmacist counseling during the dispensing of medications. ConclusionThis study revealed an important reflection on possible self-medication by patients who are DHoH, poor knowledge on the rational use of medications, and dissatisfaction with pharmacist counseling during the dispensing of medications.