Source Of Medicine Information Research Articles

Prevalence of self-medication practices among pregnant women in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Self-medication practice among pregnant women is a global concern. However, its understanding in the Indian context is limited due to a lack of comprehensive studies. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of self-medication, the medications used for self-medication, diseases/conditions associated with self-medication, and the reasons for self-medication among Indian pregnant women. This study was carried out following the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A thorough search was done in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar to find articles that were published up until May 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised observational studies reporting self-medication prevalence among pregnant women in India. Data were extracted using a standardized sheet, and a random-effects model was applied to determine the overall prevalence of self-medication using R software. The I2 statistic was employed to assess the heterogeneity among the studies. This study analyzed eight studies with a collective sample size of 2208 pregnant women. The pooled prevalence of self-medication among pregnant Indian women was 19.3% (95% CI: 7.5%-41.3%; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01). Common self-treated conditions were cold, cough, fever, headache, and stomach disorders. Antipyretics, analgesics, antihistamines, and antacids were frequently used for self-medication. The perception of mild ailment, immediate alleviation, convenience, time savings, and advice from family, friends, or the media were all reasons for self-medication. Local pharmacies were the most usual source for obtaining drugs, and pharmacists, family, friends, and past prescriptions were common sources of medicine information. A low yet substantial number of pregnant women in India are engaged in self-medication practices. Appropriate strategies need to be planned to reduce self-medication practices to attain sustainable developmental goals for maternal health in India.

The composite quality score for the appraisal of prospective controlled clinical therapy trials in systematic reviews and its limits.

Systematic reviews of prospective controlled clinical therapy trials are one of the most important sources of information in modern medicine. Besides the systematic search for and statistical pooling of current clinical trial data for a particular type of therapy, systematic reviews also have the task of appraising the quality of trial results. The quality of trial results may be diminished by low internal trial validity, due to systematic error (bias). A high risk of bias may likely cause the reported trial results to be diverted from the actual true therapeutic effect and thus render it unsuitable for clinical guidance. According to the Cochrane Collaboration, the risk of bias in clinical therapy trials should be assessed using its Risk of Bias tool, Version 2 (RoB 2). However, the tool has been established to have poor inter-rater reliability, with a limited empirical evidence base and described as complex and demanding. Against this background, the composite quality score (CQS) has been developed as a possible alternative trial appraisal tool, characterised by high epistemic rigour, empirical evidence base, inter-rater reliability and ease of use. This article presents the current evidence of the CQS and its limitations.

Essential haematology for companion animal vets in first opinion practice

Haematology provides a vital source of diagnostic information in veterinary medicine. Advancement in technology has improved the availability of in-house automated analysers in first opinion practices, allowing practitioners quick access to complete blood count results to aid day-to-day clinical decisions. Most in-house analysers use flow cytometry or electrical impedence technologies which provide fairly accurate complete blood count results. However, practitioners must exercise care when interpreting these results as sample factors such as lipaemia, haemolysis, and the presence of atypical white blood cells, may have an effect on the accuracy of the results. Interpreting complete blood count results alongside a good quality blood smear is important, as it serves as a quality control tool to assess the accuracy of the complete blood count results and also provides useful information on the cell morphology. Good sample handling and good smear making technique are important to produce a blood smear of diagnostic value.

Internet Use for Obtaining Medicine Information: Cross-sectional Survey.

The internet is increasingly being used as a source of medicine-related information. People want information to facilitate decision-making and self-management, and they tend to prefer the internet for ease of access. However, it is widely acknowledged that the quality of web-based information varies. Poor interpretation of medicine information can lead to anxiety and poor adherence to drug therapy. It is therefore important to understand how people search, select, and trust medicine information. The objectives of this study were to establish the extent of internet use for seeking medicine information among Norwegian pharmacy customers, analyze factors associated with internet use, and investigate the level of trust in different sources and websites. This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of pharmacy customers recruited from all but one community pharmacy in Tromsø, a medium size municipality in Norway (77,000 inhabitants). Persons (aged ≥16 years) able to complete a questionnaire in Norwegian were asked to participate in the study. The recruitment took place in September and October 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, social media was also used to recruit medicine users. A total of 303 respondents reported which sources they used to obtain information about their medicines (both prescription and over the counter) and to what extent they trusted these sources. A total of 125 (41.3%) respondents used the internet for medicine information, and the only factor associated with internet use was age. The odds of using the internet declined by 5% per year of age (odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.94-0.97; P=.048). We found no association between internet use and gender, level of education, or regular medicine use. The main purpose reported for using the internet was to obtain information about side effects. Other main sources of medicine information were physicians (n=191, 63%), pharmacy personnel (n=142, 47%), and medication package leaflets (n=124, 42%), while 36 (12%) respondents did not obtain medicine information from any sources. Note that 272 (91%) respondents trusted health professionals as a source of medicine information, whereas 58 (46%) respondents who used the internet trusted the information they found on the internet. The most reliable websites were the national health portals and other official health information sites. Norwegian pharmacy customers use the internet as a source of medicine information, but most still obtain medicine information from health professionals and packet leaflets. People are aware of the potential for misinformation on websites, and they mainly trust high-quality sites run by health authorities.

A nationwide exploratory survey assessing perception, practice, and barriers toward pharmaceutical care provision among hospital pharmacists in Nepal

Pharmaceutical care (PC) services reduce medication errors, improve the use of medicines, and optimize the cost of treatment. It can detect medication-related problems and improve patient medication adherence. However, PC services are not commonly provided in hospital pharmacies in Nepal. Therefore, the present study was done to determine the situation of PC in hospital pharmacies and explore the perception, practice, and barriers (and their determinants) encountered by hospital pharmacists while providing PC. A descriptive online cross-sectional study was conducted from 25th March to 25th October 2021 among pharmacists with a bachelor’s degree and above working in hospital pharmacies using non-probability quota sampling. The questionnaire in English addressed perception and practice regarding PC, and barriers encountered and were validated by experts and pre-tested among 23 pharmacists. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data. Kendall’s correlation was used to explore the correlations among various perception and practice constructs. The scores were also compared among subgroups of respondents using the Mann–Whitney test for subgroups with two categories and Kruskal–Wallis test for greater than two categories. A total of 144 pharmacists participated in the study. Majority of the participants were male, between 22 and 31 years of age, and had work experience between 10 and 20 years. Over 50% had received no training in PC. The perception scores were higher among those with more work experience and the practice scores among those who had received PC training. Participants agreed that there were significant barriers to providing PC, including lack of support from other professionals, lack of demand from patients, absence of guidelines, inadequate training, lack of skills in communication, lack of compensation, problems with access to the patient medical record, lack of remuneration, and problems with accessing objective medicine information sources. A correlation was noted between certain perceptions and practice-related constructs. Hospital pharmacists who participated had a positive perception and practice providing PC. However, PC was not commonly practised in hospital pharmacies. Significant barriers were identified in providing PC. Further studies, especially in the eastern and western provinces, are required. Similar studies may be considered in community pharmacies.

Development of a tool to assess the methodological quality of studies reporting on archaeologically excavated human skeletons: An international Delphi study

AbstractMethodological bias can directly affect the interpretation of research data. Studies reporting on excavated skeletons represent a valuable source of information in medicine, dentistry, archaeology and anthropology, and forensic sciences. However, these studies represent a specific setting with their own methodology, for which no quality assessment tool is available. The aim was to develop a critical appraisal tool to assess the methodological quality of studies reporting on archaeologically excavated human skeletons. An international Delphi study was therefore conducted to support item generation and ensure content validity for a new tool. Experts from the following domains were consulted: dentistry, forensic sciences, archaeology and anthropology, general medicine, epidemiology, and statistics. Participants judged the relevance and comprehensiveness of items retrieved from the literature. Consensus was predefined as 75% agreement between experts, and achieved within two Delphi rounds. As a result, 44 and 32 participants completed the first and second Delphi rounds, respectively, achieving consensus on 17 items. This research provides the first evidence‐based tool for the methodological assessment of studies reporting on archaeologically excavated skeletons. Clinicians and researchers can use this tool for critical appraisal of studies or when performing systematic reviews. Future research will focus on psychometric testing of the newly developed tool.

Sources of Information on Medicinal Products Among Physicians - A Survey Conducted Among Primary Care Physicians in Poland.

Introduction: Primary care physicians need to have access to up-to-date knowledge in various fields of medicine and high-quality information sources, but little is known about the use and credibility of sources of information on medicinal products among Polish doctors. The main goal of this study was to analyze the sources of information on medicinal products among primary care physicians in Poland. Methods: A survey was conducted among 316 primary care physicians in Poland. The following information was collected: demographic data of participants, type and frequency of using data sources on medicinal products, barriers to access credible information, assessment of the credibility of the sources used, impact of a given source and other factors on prescription decisions. Results: The most frequently mentioned sources of information were medical representatives (79%), medical journals (78%) and congresses, conventions, conferences, and training (76%). The greatest difficulty in finding the latest information about medicinal products was the lack of time. The surveyed doctors considered clinical guidelines to be the most credible source of information, and this source also had the greatest impact on the choice of prescribed medicinal products. Conclusion: The study showed that clinicians consider clinical guidelines as the most credible source of information with the greatest impact on prescribing medicinal products. However, it is not the source most often mentioned by doctors for obtaining knowledge about medicinal products. There is a need to develop strategies and tools to provide physicians with credible sources of information.

The Effect of Socio-Demographic and Cultural Features on Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Healthcare Students

Objective: The aim of the research is to determine the impact of socio-demographic-cultural characteristics and educational background on the approach to Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) practices among healthcare students. &#x0D; Material and Methods: The research was designed as a quantitative and descriptive-cross-sectional study and carried out with health educated students from two different universities. &#x0D; Results: 59.4% of the participants reported using TCAM; 21.2% reported having experienced problems with the practices they applied, while 68.8% preferred this method to others. The variables of age, university, marital status, long-term location of residence, perceived income, chronic disease status, smoking, source of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine information, any problems following TCAM use and post- TCAM experience were found effective. &#x0D; Conclusion: TCAM training should be included in the education programs of students receiving health education so as to provide them with accurate information on the matter.

Pharmaceutical Benefit-Risk Perception and Age Differences in the USA and Germany.

Understanding how patients of all ages perceive the benefits and risks of medical treatments is vitally important. Yet, the role of older age on pharmaceutical benefit-risk perceptions has hardly been empirically investigated as a central focus of study. This study tested the generalizability of recent pilot findings to explore benefit-risk perception age differences between adults aged 65years old and over (older group) and those aged 18-64years old (younger group). An online survey representative for age, sex, and education was conducted in Ohio, USA (N = 1520) and Germany (N = 1536). A combination of benefit, risk, and affect questions measured respondents' perceptions of 18 medicines, tests, vaccines, and procedures. Further questions investigated general perceptions of side effects and effectiveness, as well as respondents' reliance on different sources of medicines information. Clear age differences were found that strongly support recent pilot findings. Older adults perceived prescription medicines significantly more positively than their younger counterparts. They had significantly higher benefit and lower risk perceptions for most, but not all, medical treatments investigated. Older adults' benefit-risk perceptions were more strongly correlated with positive/negative affect, that is, their positive/negative experiences and feelings of "goodness" or "badness" they associated with each medical treatment investigated. They also perceived doctors and pharmacists as more competent and trustworthy. Contrary to popular belief, both age groups ranked their reliance on 15 different medical (e.g. doctors), societal (e.g. social media), industry (e.g. pharmaceutical company websites), and governmental (e.g. regulatory agencies) sources of medicines information remarkably similarly. Age has an important role in patients' pharmaceutical benefit-risk perceptions. Findings show that, when designing messages, benefit-risk communicators should incorporate age differences. This includes older patients' positive perceptions of pharmaceuticals, greater reliance on affect, and information seeking versus scanning behaviour. Field experiments are now needed to test the effectiveness of such changes for improving benefit-risk communication practice.

Experiences and Views of Medicine Information Among the General Public in Thailand.

PurposeWritten and electronic medicine information are important for improving patient knowledge and safe use of medicines. Written medicine information in Thailand is mostly in the form of printed package inserts (PIs), designed for health professionals, with few medicines having patient information leaflets (PILs). The aim of this study was to determine practices, needs and expectations of Thai general public about written and electronic medicine information and attitudes towards PILs.Patients and MethodsCross-sectional survey, using self-completed questionnaires, was distributed directly to members of the general public in a large city, during January to March 2019. It explored experiences of using information, expectations, needs and attitudes, the latter measured using a 10-item scale. Differences between sub-groups were assessed, applying the Bonferroni correction to determine statistical significance.ResultsOf the total 851 questionnaires distributed, 550 were returned (64.2%). The majority of respondents (88%) had received PIs, but only a quarter (26.2%) had received PILs. Most respondents (78.5%) had seen medicine information in online form. High educational level and income increased the likelihood of receiving PILs and electronic information. The majority of respondents (88.5%) perceived PILs as useful, but 70% considered they would still need information about medicines from health professionals. Indication, drug name and precautions were the most frequently read information in PIs and perceived as needed in PILs. Three-quarters of respondents would read electronic information if it were available, with more who had received a PIL having previously searched for such information compared to those who had not. All respondents had positive overall attitudes towards PILs.ConclusionExperiences of receiving PILs and electronic medicine information in Thailand are relatively limited. However, the general public considered PILs as a useful source of medicine information. Electronic medicine information was desired and should be developed to be an additional source of information for consumers.

Survey of healthcare professionals' practices, expectations, and attitudes towards provision of patient information leaflets in Thailand.

Background Patient information leaflets are an important source of medicine information for patients. In Thailand, there is a lack of studies exploring activities of healthcare professionals and their attitudes towards provision of patient information leaflets. Objectives This study aimed to survey healthcare professionals' practices on provision of medicine information, expectations of, attitudes towards provision of patient information leaflets and factors influencing these. Setting Two university hospitals in Thailand. Methods A self-completion questionnaire was distributed to chiefs of departments for further distribution to staff. A stratified sample of physicians and nurses was invited, while all pharmacists were invited to ensure sufficient numbers for comparison. Main outcome measure Healthcare professionals' practices on provision of medicine information, expectations of, attitudes towards provision of patient information leaflets. Results Of the total 981 healthcare professionals invited, 493 responded (50.3% response rate). The number of respondents aware of patient information leaflets was 270 (57.6%). Of these, only 44.4% had ever given patient information leaflets to patients. Pharmacists provided patient information leaflets more frequently than other healthcare professionals. The expectation for patient information leaflets to be available was high; mean score 7.9 ± 2.31 of possible 10. Most respondents had positive attitudes towards providing patient information leaflets to patients (58.2%). Respondents who were aware of patient information leaflets availability were more likely to have a positive attitude (OR 0.543, p = 0.002). Level of education, time spent in direct care and being aware of patient information leaflets were factors associated with healthcare professionals' attitudes. Conclusion Limited number of healthcare professionals had provided patient information leaflets to patients but most had positive attitudes regarding the usefulness of patient information leaflets for patients. Increased availability and use of patient information leaflets should be promoted.

Patients` Attitude, Use and Perceived Reliability of Medicine Information Sources: Differences by Age Groups

Patients` Attitude, Use and Perceived Reliability of Medicine Information Sources: Differences by Age Groups

Problems of promoting drugs in the Kyrgyz Republic

The article describes the results of the assessment methods of medicines promotion in health care organizations The purpose of our study was to study the factors affecting the prescribing, consumption and dispensing of medicines to develop measures to contain unethical drug marketing. For study this issue was used the method of interviewing and questioning of doctors, pharmacists and patients. Our results have shown that there are numerous factors in the health system, which contribute to a violation of the practice for rational prescribing and dispensing of medicines, as well as the absence of regulatory mechanisms in the medicines promotion on the market in the Kyrgyz Republic. The results of the study among this category of respondents confirm the limited access of doctors and pharmacists to quality sources of medicines information, which explains the shortcomings in informing patients on their part, which also serves unethical drug marketing. A direct correlation was established between information sources of about medicines and work experience, i.e. than more work experience, the more information is used from medical representatives and activities conducted by pharmaceutical companies (p &lt; 0.05). The identified factors are associated with unethical medicines promotion, inadequate implementation of the generic strategy, non-prescription dispensing of all medicines, inadequate provision of quality reliable information, low awareness, lack of skills in critical assessment of the information provided. In connection with this, there is a high sensitivity of specialists to various incentives from pharmaceutical companies. All of the above in aggregate contribute to the irrational use of medicines, with all the ensuing consequences.

Survey of outpatients' use and needs of patient medicine information leaflets in Thailand.

Background Patient information leaflets are important sources of medicine information. Regulations of patient information leaflet provision varies among country. Little is known regarding patients' behavior and expectation on use of patient information leaflets. Objectives To explore patients' use of either package inserts or patient information leaflets and to survey patients' expectations and needs on use of patient information leaflets and their associated factors. Setting Two university hospitals in Thailand. Methods Cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires distributed to outpatients over a 3-month period. Participants were selected through systematic random sampling. Logistic regression was used for data analysis. Main outcome measure Patient use of medicine information. Visual Analogue Scale scores for patient needs and their expectation of knowledge gains from using patient information leaflets. Results The response rate was 77.0%. Most respondents had received package inserts (91.3%) with 59.4% reporting that they sometimes read them. While most respondents had not previously known about patient information leaflets (75.9%), 97.3% reported that patient information leaflets would be useful. Respondents scored their needs and expected knowledge gains after reading patient information leaflets as 9.68 ± 0.97 and 9.64 ± 0.99, respectively. Previous experience with package inserts was associated with increased patient need scores (p = 0.002) and higher expected knowledge gains from use of patient information leaflets (p = 0.037). In addition, patients who had not previously known about patient information leaflets had higher expectations of knowledge gains (p = 0.016). Conclusion Overall, patients showed good behavior on reading package inserts. Although many patients were not previously aware of patient information leaflets, they realized the importance. Hence, patient information leaflets should be developed and provided to Thai patients.

Promoting health literacy: sixth graders working in partnership with the local pharmacy

PurposeHealth literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. The purpose of this paper is to focus on sixth graders’ (N=21, aged 13–14) health literacy, particularly in relation to the rational use of medicines and the role of pharmacies.Design/methodology/approachThe socio-scientific issues (SSI) approach by way of the three-stage model, the stages being scenario, inquiry and decision making, was adopted in this intervention study. The study was a qualitative case study and data consisted of cartoons, audio recordings of group discussions and group interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.FindingsAt the beginning of the intervention, pupils possessed detailed information about the rational use of medicines; however, they did not refer to the role of pharmacy as a source of medicine information which they did after the intervention. They were also more aware particularly how to store and dispose of unnecessary medicines. Their theoretical and practical knowledge related to pharmacy careers and production of medicines was enhanced.Practical implicationsThe SSI approach by way of the three-stage model provides an excellent opportunity to schools for local co-operation with the community and familiarization with the careers. Moreover, it offers the possibility to enhance pupils’ health literacy.Originality/valueThe SSI approach is so far less implemented in the context of medicine education and to improve health literacy.

Source of medicines and medicine information by self-reported persons living with hypertension and diabetes in rural and urban Ghana.

Objectives:This study was conducted to determine the source of medicines and medicine information of persons living with hypertension and diabetes in rural and urban Ghana and assessing if they are influenced by predisposing and enabling factors as defined by Andersen’s behavioural model.Methods:A population based cross sectional study was conducted in four (4) rural and four (4) urban districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A multistage and proportional sampling method was used in enrolling participants aged 18 years and above. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from respondents. Data collected was exported to STATA for analysis. Descriptive analysis was performed. Chi-square tests/Fisher’s exact test and multinomial logistic regression models were used to establish association between variables.Results:A total of 336 self -reported persons with hypertension and diabetes were enrolled in the study with 199(59.23%) living in urban communities. The majority of participants with hypertension and diabetes living in the rural communities 77 (56.20%) were females contrasting with the male majority in urban communities 106 (53. 27%). In the rural communities, 49 (35.77%) of participants sourced medicines from the health centre while 45 (32.85%) and 35(25.55%) sourced medicines from the hospital and over the counter medicine shop (OTCMS) respectively. In the urban communities, 153 (76.88%) sourced medicines from the hospital while 33 (16.58%) sourced medicines from the pharmacy. The predisposing factor age (OR: 1.1, 95%CI 1.040-1.210) under OTCMS, age (OR 1.0, 95% CI: 1.002-1.066) under hospital and enabling factor socioeconomic status (OR: 0.3, 95%CI 0.085-0.855) under Hospital influenced participant’s source of medicine in the urban communities. The results also revealed that majority of participants in both rural 99 (72.26%), and urban 164 (82.41%) communities sourced medicine information mainly from public healthcare facilities, pre-disposing factors; age (OR 1.1 95%CI 1.032-1.270) under family member, age (OR 1.1, 95%CI 1.022-1.167) under friend health professional, age (OR 1.1, 95%CI 1.050-1.147) under nearest health institution, marital status (OR: 0.004, 95%CI 0.003-0.441) under friend health Professional were found to influence participants’ source of medicine information in the urban communities while in the rural communities the predisposing factor marital status (OR 10.6, 95%CI 1.044 -106.835), education (OR: 26.1, 95%CI 1.271-537.279) under friend health professional, age (OR 1.1, 95%CI 1.002-1.187), educational level (OR 30.6, 95%CI 1.718-546.668) under nearest health institution and enabling factor socio-economic status (OR 6.6, 95%CI 1.016 -43.510) under nearest health institution influenced one’s source of medicine information.Conclusions:Majority of inhabitants with hypertension and diabetes in both rural and urban communities, sourced medicines and medicine information from public health institutions though a larger proportion was recorded in the urban communities. More participants in the rural communities than in the urban communities sourced medicines and medicine information from community pharmacies. Participants’ source of medicine and medicine information was influenced by both predisposing and enabling factors.

Patients' internet use in New Zealand for information about medicines: Implications for policy and practice

BackgroundThe ubiquitous use of the internet sees patients increasingly look online for information about their medicines. ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand the use of internet to meet medicine information needs of a sample of New Zealand patients. MethodUsing a descriptive exploratory approach 60 mental health and general medical adult patients at one large urban were interviewed. These semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and coded for inductive thematic analysis. FindingsThis study found that the internet is frequently used to meet the medicines information needs of patients. Despite the ease of access to information on the internet patients need guidance to locate credible and trustworthy online resources. ConclusionsImplications from this study relate to both practice and policy, and include the need for health professionals to have enhanced communication skills as they become information brokers who provide supplementary, reliable sources of patient-centric medicines information. Having a New Zealand specific website that includes an extensive section on medicines is a policy recommendation of this study, as is identifying tools to readily identify patients’ needs and preferences for medicines information.

Internet as a source of medicines information (MI) among frequent internet users.

The internet is widely and increasingly used to search for health information. Previous studies have focused mainly on health information on the internet and not specifically on medicines information (MI). The aim of this study was to explore the internet as a source of MI compared to other sources of MI; to identify those who use the internet as a source of MI; and to describe patterns of use of the internet as a source of MI. A cross-sectional design employed a web-based questionnaire posted by patients' and other organizations as well as pharmacies on their websites during six weeks in the beginning of 2014. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations of background variables to the use of different MI sources. The most frequently used MI sources among respondents (n=2489) were package leaflets (90%), pharmacists (83%), physicians (72%), and the internet (68%). According to a multivariate analysis, internet use for MI was associated with female gender, age <65 years, higher education, daily use of the internet, and continuous use of vitamins or herbals. MI was most commonly searched from a Finnish health portal (56%) and websites of pharmacies (41%). Of the respondents, nearly half (43%) used search engines to find information from the internet. The names of the medicinal product, symptom or disease were the most commonly used search terms. Well-educated, young women tend to search MI on the internet. Health care professionals should discuss reliable MI websites and tools that can help patients evaluate the reliability of information.

Pengetahuan, Sikap, dan Perilaku Masyarakat dalam Memilih Obat yang Aman di Tiga Provinsi di Indonesia

Medicine is an important component that cannot be replaced in health service. Indonesia National Agency of Drug and Food Control conducted survey to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of communities on selecting safe and quality medicines. The aim of the study is to get description KAP of community in choosing a safe medicine. Data were collected in West Java, DKI Jakarta, and South East Sulawesi. Sampling calculation use probability proportional to size sampling and census block. There were 1271 households as samples that analysed. Data results were analysed using descriptive and index analysis. Knowledge relates to criteria of quality medicines, rules for antibiotics use, and medicines logo. Attitude relates to how to select over the counter medicines, reasons of taking traditional medicines, and opinion about giving half dose of adults medicines to children. Practice relates to source of medicines information, the way to buy prescribe medicines, and reading label information. The results showed that KAP of communities on selecting safe and quality medicines close to 50%. According to score of index analysis are 4.65 (1 to 10 scale), it is recommended that information, education, and communication has to be delivered to communities intensively and continuously by the government

A new experimental community pharmacy internship module for undergraduate pharmacy students in western Nepal: overview and reflections

Community pharmacies in Nepal and other South Asian countries are in a mediocre state due to poor regulation and the fact that many pharmacies are run by people with insufficient training in dispensing. This has led to the inappropriate use of medicines. The problems due to poor regulation and the mediocre state of community pharmacies in South Asia encompass both academia and clinical practice. In this paper, a 2-week community pharmacy internship programme completed by 2 graduating pharmacy students of Pokhara University (a Nepalese public university) at Sankalpa Pharmacy, Pokhara, Nepal is illustrated. During the internship, they were systematically trained on store management, pharmaceutical care, counselling skills, the use of medical devices, pharmaceutical business plans, medicine information sources, and adverse drug reaction reporting. An orientation, observations and hands-on training, case presentation, discussion, and feedback from 2 senior pharmacists were used as the training method. A proper community pharmacy internship format, good pharmacy practice standards, and a better work environment for pharmacists may improve the quality of community pharmacies.