Rational Self-medication Research Articles

INCREASING ADOLESCENT KNOWLEDGE ABOUT RATIONAL COMMON COLD SELF-MEDICATION

Background: Knowledge of self-medication is associated with engaging in self-medication. Choosing the wrong common cold medication not only fails to deliver the best results but also leads to higher treatment expenses. Based on previous research in 2023, it was reported that 19.88% student in Yogyakarta had low knowledge about common cold self-medication. Objective: This service activity aims to increase teenagers' knowledge about rational self-medication for common cold. Method: The activity involved directly educating partners about rational self-medication for the common cold through the use of posters and leaflets, followed by their understanding with pre-tests and post-tests. Results: Following schooling, partners’ knowledge increased. Conclusion: Education can raise public awareness of rational self-medication for the common cold, allowing people to make more informed decision when taking medications in their regular self-medication practices.

Rational self-medication

We develop a model of rational self-medication in which individuals use potentially dangerous or addictive substances (e.g., alcohol) to manage symptoms of illness (e.g., depression) outside of formal medical care. A model implication is that the emergence of better treatments reduces incentives to self-medicate. To investigate, we use forty years of longitudinal data from the Framingham Heart Study and leverage the exogenous introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We demonstrate an economically meaningful reduction in alcohol consumption when SSRIs became available. Our findings illustrate how the effects of medical innovation operate, in part, through changes in behavior.

Implementation of Telemedicine through “Apoteker Keluarga Online” Application as an Effort for Rational Headache Self-Medication

Implementation of Telemedicine through “Apoteker Keluarga Online” Application as an Effort for Rational Headache Self-Medication

Facilitated self-medication practice in pharmacies in combating oral health needs: A questionnaire-based study

Abstract Aim: Many dental patients seek symptomatic treatment at pharmacies due to the lack of awareness and cost of definitive treatments such as fillings, scaling, and root canal therapy. Pharmacists are increasingly facilitating dental health self-medication due to this trend. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of pharmacist-facilitated self-medication and medication dispensing for dental and oral health needs, as well as their perspectives and limitations. Materials and Methods: In this questionnaire-based study, 101 pharmacists were enrolled using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire survey tool comprised 21 close-ended questions distributed under three sections: demographics, facilitated self-medication practice, and attitude toward it, providing us with a prevalence of pharmacist-facilitated self-medication and their perspective toward this practice. Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact probability test along with logistic regression was performed for statistical analysis of data. Results: The study found that 96% of pharmacists dispensed prescription and OTC dental drugs. Analgesics (76.2%), antipyretics (52.5%), and antibiotics (46.5%) were the most common medications dispensed by respondents for toothache. Mild problems, patient experience, and self-knowledge allowed for rational self-medication. The main argument against the practice was that dentists should solely prescribe dental medications as they need more definitive treatment rather than arbitrary consumption of antibiotic. Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of facilitated self-medication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs being the most commonly dispensed drug for oral health needs. Further studies with greater inclusive sample size are required to assess, monitor the effects of pharmacist-facilitated self-medication, and suggest amendments in pharmacy act for the benefit of both dental patients and community pharmacists.

Assessment of self-medication practice for oral health problems among people of Varanasi, Uttar-Pradesh, India

Background: Self medication has been practiced for centuries in both industrialized and under developed countries. There are lots of literatures indicating people awareness regarding abuse of medicines and antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription, but there has not been much study conducted for dental illness. The present study aimed to gather information about self-medication pattern among people of Varanasi, Uttar-Pradesh and to identify the measures to curb these life-threatening practices.Methods: An observational based cross-sectional study was carried out in OPD of Faculty of Dental Sciences, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. The sample size comprised of 500 respondents. The SPS software was used to code, input, and analyze all descriptive data. Descriptive data analysis was performed and the results were provided as frequencies and percentage.Results: The response of survey received a perfect score of 100%. The prevalence rate of self medication was found to be 56.2%. The main reason for engaging in such life threatening practice was lack of time and ignorance. Analgesia was the most commonly utilized type of medication. Out of 281, 84 patients sought basic care from a pharmacist, whereas 49.2% patient approached to visit dentist only when their problem continued.Conclusions: The prevalence rate was higher in male than female. Controlling self-medication requires patient health awareness initiatives, community pharmacist help, and pharmacist continuing education. There is a need for intervention planning to encourage rational self-medication through mass media such as newspapers, magazines and TV.

What does self-medication counseling in Bulgarian community pharmacies look like – a field study

The aim of the study is to identify the current practices of self-medication in Bulgaria, estimate the extent patients are influenced by information about the safety of OTC products and pharmacists’ role and behavior in the process. An anonymous, questionnaire-based, descriptive study was carried out among 280 pharmacists. The majority of the patients (92.6%) ask for pharmacists’ advice before buying OTC products. Most often patients need OTC drugs for mild conditions (80.7%), to save time (63.9%), and because they are unable to consult a physician (61.9%). The medium duration of consultation for an OTC product is between 5 and 10 minutes. The main barriers hindering the process are unwillingness from the patient (72.5%), lack of time (27.5%), and lack of confidentiality (26.6%). OTC medicines are considered safer than prescription-only medicines by pharmacists. Pharmacists could substantially contribute to rational self-medication and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems.

Effect of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Perception Regarding Rational Medicine Use and Self-medication

Rational use of medicines is important for safe and cost-effective pharmacotherapy. However, nearly half of the medicines available in the market may be used irrationally. The present study assessed the perceptions and knowledge about rational medicine use and responsible self-medication among participants before and after an educational intervention at KIST Medical College, Lalitpur. An educational module was conducted among healthcare professionals, media personnel and female community health volunteers. The questionnaire was administered before and immediately after the module. The areas addressed were rational medicine use, ethical prescribing, rational drug use situation in Nepal, pharmaceutical promotion, rational self-medication, safe use of antibiotics, and drug use problems in Nepal. Among healthcare professionals, the rational drug use situation in Nepal and the total score significantly increased post-intervention (p<0.05). Among media personnel the mean scores increased significantly in pharmaceutical promotion and drug use problems in Nepal areas but there was a significant decrease in safe use of antibiotics. The pre-intervention pharmaceutical promotion score was significantly higher among healthcare professionals compared to media personnel while the rational self-medication scores were highest among female community health volunteers, safe use of antibiotics scores were highest among the media personnel. Post-intervention the mean pharmaceutical promotion scores was highest among healthcare professionals, rational self-medication scores among female community health volunteers, safe use of antibiotics, drug use problems in Nepal and total scores were highest among the media personnel. There were differences in the mean pre-intervention scores among different subgroups. A single session may not be enough to bring about significant changes in knowledge and perception. The retention of knowledge could be measured in future studies.

Effect of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Perception Regarding Rational Medicine Use and Self-medication

Background: Rational use of medicines is important for safe and cost-effective pharmacotherapy. However, nearly half of the medicines available in the market may be used irrationally. The present study assessed the perceptions and knowledge about rational medicine use and responsible self-medication among participants before and after an educational intervention at KIST Medical College, Lalitpur. Methods: An educational module was conducted among healthcare professionals, media personnel and female community health volunteers. The questionnaire was administered before and immediately after the module. The areas addressed were rational medicine use, ethical prescribing, rational drug use situation in Nepal, pharmaceutical promotion, rational self-medication, safe use of antibiotics, and drug use problems in Nepal. Results: Among healthcare professionals, the rational drug use situation in Nepal and the total score significantly increased post-intervention (p&lt;0.05). Among media personnel the mean scores increased significantly in pharmaceutical promotion and drug use problems in Nepal areas but there was a significant decrease in safe use of antibiotics. The pre-intervention pharmaceutical promotion score was significantly higher among healthcare professionals compared to media personnel while the rational self-medication scores were highest among female community health volunteers, safe use of antibiotics scores were highest among the media personnel. Post-intervention the mean pharmaceutical promotion scores was highest among healthcare professionals, rational self-medication scores among female community health volunteers, safe use of antibiotics, drug use problems in Nepal and total scores were highest among the media personnel. Conclusions: There were differences in the mean pre-intervention scores among different subgroups. A single session may not be enough to bring about significant changes in knowledge and perception. The retention of knowledge could be measured in future studies. Keywords: Female community health volunteers; health care professionals; media; rational medicine use; self medication.

Pattern of self-medication amongst housewives vs working women in urban population in Southern Rajasthan

Background: The use of medications without prior medical consultation regarding indication, dosage, and duration of treatment is referred to as self-medication1. Self-medication has its own benefits regarding reduction in load and cost of medical services. Women are primarily responsible for the health needs of the family and self- medication is frequently practiced by them. Working environment may influence the attitude of women towards safe and rational self-medication. This study focuses on the pattern and attitude of women (housewives/ working) towards self- medication and influence of working atmosphere and exposure of women on self-medication.Methods: 170 women of age group 18-60 years were included in the study and after taking permission from Institutional ethics committee. Data was collected by making the participants fill a semi structured detailed questionnaire under observation of instructor. The data was analysed using Microsoft excel and compared by using Fischer exact test.Results: Most common ailment for which self-medication was practiced was pain. Working women primarily used pharmacist and house wives use old experience and family friends as primary source of information. Working women were more cautious about adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, expiry date of medicine, reading instruction manual, use of counterfeit medicine and referring the experience to their known subjects as compare to housewives.Conclusions: Self-medication was prevalent in both the groups, though working environment has positive influence towards safe, responsible and rational self-medication. There is need for education regrading safe use of medicine and strict rules and regulations for availability of drugs.

585 Experience of community pharmacists in providing advice about vulvo-vaginal complaints

Many over-the counter drugs are available for treatment vulvo-vaginal complaints. Choosing for self-diagnosis and self-medication can contribute to delayed diagnosis and improper treatment. Pharmacists are the gatekeepers for rational self-medication and refering. However, it is not clear which barriers they meet and which advantages they use during consultations. To analyze the experiences of community pharmacists advising on vulvo-vaginal complaints. A qualitative study to evaluate pharmacists experience in providing advice about vulvo-vaginal complaints was conducted from January to March 2015. New respondents were included till saturation was achieved. Twenty-one Lithuanian community pharmacists were interviewed, recorded and transcribed verbatim. The qualitative content analysis approach was used for data collection during semi-structured interviews and for data analysis. Interview transcripts and documents were content analyzed independently by 2 researchers. Consensus was reach during negation in cases of disagreement. Thematic coding of narratives was performed, data was categorized into hierarchic tree.

Relation of knowledge and level of education to the rationality of self-medication on childhood diarrhea on the Code River banks in Jogoyudan, Jetis, Yogyakarta

Self-medication as an alternative is used to reduce the severity of diarrhea. Optimal treatment can be done by increasing the rationalization of self-medication on diarrhea. This can be achieved with good knowledge about self-medication, which is in turn influenced by level of education. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of knowledge and education level to rationality of self-medication on childhood diarrhea around the Code River in Jogoyudan, Jetis, Yogyakarta. The study was conducted by cross-sectional analytical observational design. The subjects were mothers who had children aged 2-11 years who had experienced diarrhea and had self-medication. Questionnaires were used to assess the rationality of self-medication on children's diarrhea by the parents. The respondents were askeds to fill out about indications, right drugs, doses, time intervals and periods of drug administration. Data were analyzed using chi- square. It was showed that of 40 respondents, 14 respondents (35%) performed rational self-medication on children's diarrhea and 26 respondents (65%). did not rationalize the treatment. The results of a bivariate test obtained a chi-square value of 9.808 (> 3.841) and a p value of 0.002 (<0.05) on the relationship between education level and rationality of self-medication and a chi-square value of 19.476 (> 3.841) and a p value of 0.000 (<0.05) on relationship between knowledge and rationality of self- medication. The conclusion of this study is that there is a correlation between knowledge and level of education and rationality of self-medication on childhood diarrhea on the Code River banks in Jogoyudan, Jetis, Yogyakarta.

Promoting rational self-medication of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Nepal

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a commonly used class of drugs. They are used for self-medication worldwide including Nepal to treat self-limiting conditions, and mild to moderate symptoms associated with disease. Similar degree of care like prescription-only drugs is needed for these drugs as these are also linked with many adverse effects. However, nephrotoxicity remains a major concern with these drugs; other systems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematologic, respiratory, and hepatic are also affected. The renal effects of analgesics are pronounced among patients with comorbid conditions, hypovolemic state of body and those with concomitant use of nephrotoxic or other drugs. A number of studies on self-medication all over the world have revealed that NSAIDs are the most commonly used drugs as self-medication. Easy access to these drugs either in pharmacy or in nonpharmacy outlets has become a reason for proper monitoring of over-the-counter use of these drugs. Responsibility remains with all healthcare professionals, either at individual or institutional level, to establish the balance between the benefits and risks associated with these drugs. The consumer who uses the drugs and the policy-framing bodies are others who could intervene in promoting the rational use of NSAIDs.

Self-Medication Practice among Pharmacists in UAE

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of self-medication behavior among practicing pharmacists in UAE. Methods: This anonymous questionnaire-based study was conducted between October and December 2014, using a prepiloted questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to a total of 168 pharmacists. Data were analyzed using SPSS and results were expressed as number of respondents and percentage of total participants. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 149 pharmacists, and response rate was 89% with 53% of respondents being Arabs. Out of the 149 pharmacists respondents, 71 (47.7%) are males, and 78 (52.3%) are females. The mean age among pharmacists was 28. Large number of pharmacists practiced self-medication (96.6%). The majority obtained their medication from pharmacies (92.6%). Most respondents were aware of bacterial resistance and the concept of rational drug use. However, 69 (43%) of pharmacists had used antibiotics without consultation in the past year. The main reasons for self-medication were that their health problem is not serious (42%) and their knowledge on drugs and diseases helps (31%). Reasons against self-medication included risk of misdiagnosis of illness and risk of adverse effects. Pharmacists tended to seek medical consultation mostly in case of symptoms lasting for more than one week or when symptoms were worsening. Discussion: The frequency of self-medication among pharmacists is high. The professional exposure to drugs and knowledge of illness and treatment choice remains the fundamental contributors to self-medication practice among pharmacists. Interventions to promote rational self-medication among practicing pharmacists are required and pharmacists must be encouraged to enter the patient role.

Treatment-seeking Paths in the Management of Severe Malaria in Children under 15 Years of Age Treated in Reference Hospitals of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), few studies have focused on treatment-seeking paths selected by caretakers for the management of severe childhood malaria in an urban environment. The present study aims at describing the treatment-seeking paths according to the characteristics of households, as well as the subsequent impact on pre-hospitalisation delay and malarial fatality and on the main syndromes associated with severe childhood malaria. Methods: This descriptive study included data collected at nine hospitals in Kinshasa between January and November 2011. A total of 1,350 children, under 15 years of age and hospitalised for severe malaria, were included in the study. Results: Regarding the management of malaria, 31.5% of households went directly to the health centre or hospital while 68.5% opted for self-medication, church and/or traditional healing therapy. The most frequent first-line option was self-medication, adopted by more than 61.5% of households. Nevertheless, rational self-medication using antimalarial drugs recommended by the WHO (artemisinin-based combinations) was reported for only 5.5% of children. Only 12.5% of households combined 2 or 3 traditional options. The following criteria influenced the choice of a modern vs. traditional path: household socioeconomic level, residential environment, maternal education level and religious beliefs. When caretakers opted for traditional healing therapy, the pre-hospitalisation delay was longer and the occurrence of respiratory distress, severe anaemia and mortality was higher. Conclusion: The implementation of a malaria action plan in the Democratic Republic of Congo should take into account the diversity and pluralistic character of treatment-seeking behaviours in order to promote the most appropriate options (hospital and rational self-medication) and to avoid detrimental outcomes.

Evaluation of self medication practices in rural area of town sahaswan at northern India.

Background:Many of the studies have investigated the prevalence and nature of self-medication. It is a common type of self-care behavior among the populace of various countries. World Health Organization promotes the practice of self-medication for effective and quick relief of symptoms without medical consultations to reduce the burden on health-care services, which are often understaffed and inaccessible in rural and remote areas.Aim:The aim of the study was to determine the extent and pattern of self-medication among the population (patients) attending pharmacies at study sites and to note the association of self-medication variables with demographic factors.Subjects and Methods:The present study was a community based cross sectional study aimed to gather information about the prevalence of self-medication in the rural town of Sahaswan, Uttar Pradesh from June 2012 to July 2012. The sample size comprised of 600 respondents. Data were collected through a prepared questionnaire. All descriptive data were coded, entered and analyzed using the statistical package for Social sciences program version 17.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive data analysis was conducted and reported as frequencies and percentage.Results:The percentage of patients who were seeking self-medication was approximately 50% (300/600). Most of the patients were seeking self-medication for headache and other pain (23.3% [140/600]), fever (14.5% [87/600]), urinary tract infections (9.7% [58/600]) and respiratory tract infections (11.7% [70/600]). The drugs most commonly purchased for practicing self-medication were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (25.3% [152/600]), medications used for gastro intestinal problems (20.8% [125/600]) and antibiotics (16.7% [100/600]).Conclusion:Prevalence of self-medication was high primarily among illiterate males aged above 15 years with a low income. Patient health awareness programs, assistance by community pharmacists and pharmacist continuing education are necessary for controlling self-medication. There is a need for planning interventions to promote rational self-medication through mass medias such as newspaper, magazine and TV.

On the Economics of Rational Self-Medication

It has been established in the medical literature that self-medicating with imperfect information about either the use of a genuine or counterfeit drug or based on wrong self-diagnosis of ailment, which is predominant especially in developing countries, is a risky investment in health capital. This paper models the decision to self-medicate and the demand for self-medicated drugs. We suppose that investment in self-medication depends on the perception of its effectiveness. The results obtained show that the decision to self-medicate depends on the relative price and perceived effectiveness of self-medication, the elasticity of the shadow value of health with respect to the quantity of health capital, and the relative effectiveness of self-medication in reducing the unpredictable changes in health capital. Furthermore, if an individual self-medicates, self-medication becomes a normal good: it increases if income increases; and it obeys the law of demand (i.e. it increases if its price, relative to that of the risk-free medication, decreases). Moreover, we have shown that some optimum subsidy can discourage self-medication.

Rational behavior of self medication on the community of Cangkringan and Depok subdistrict of Sleman district

Self-medication is defined as usage of drugs in community to relieve symptoms of minor illnesses without doctor intervention. Self-medication prevalence in Indonesia in 2004 is 24.1.% and in DIY province in 2005 is 87.73.%. The behavior of rational self-medication is probably influenced by sex, age, education level, occupation, income level, knowledge, and positive attitude toward self-medication. This was an observational research with cross sectional design. The number of respondent was 174, and the samples were chosen by multistage random sampling based on the villages number. Data was collected by using structured questionnaire and nonpartisipative observation. The data was analyzed by using independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation and multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression.The result of the research showed that there was significant relationship between sex, age, level of knowledge, occupation, income level, knowledge and attitude with rational self-medication behavior. Multivariate analysis result showed that education level was themost influencing rational self-medication behavior at confidence level 95.%. There was significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, sex, age, level of knowledge, occupation and income level with rational self-medication behavior. Education level was the most influencing rational self-medication behavior. Key words: self-medication behavior, self-medication knowledge, self-medication attitude