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KMID : 1011320090020020114
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Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology and Risk Management
2009 Volume.2 No. 2 p.114 ~ p.121
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A Study on the Awareness and Behavior of Consumers and Pharmacists toward Non Prescription Drugs
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Min Young-Mi
Sull Jae-Woong
Ohrr Hee-Choul
Lee Eun-Sook
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Abstract
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Objective: This study aims to compare consumers and pharmacists in their awareness knowledge and the use of non prescription drugs and experience of their side effects.
Methods: The questionnaire survey was conducted by visiting consumers in pharmacies and pharmacists for the period of one month. 216 pharmacists and 238 consumers filled out the prepared survey form on non prescription drug use. The results were statistically analyzed by using the SAS Program. T-test, ANOVA and chi-square test were conducted.
Results: The usage status of non prescription for consumers showed the significant results by knowledge, abuse and side effects. In the survey to measure the knowledge of medication guide on non prescription drugs for anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory drugs and combinational cold medicine, 49.8% were unaware of their warning and precautions. And 50.9 % were unaware of drug interactions. 48.0% were unaware of side effects due to a long term use of digestive drugs. 24.8% of consumers had a long term use of non prescription drugs. The most used drugs were anti pyretic and anti inflammatory drugs (31.0%). The duration was 7 years and 9 months on average. Among them, 52.8% have experienced the withdrawal symptoms. Highest risk groups were the 70 years old people (64.7%), the people with only elementary school education (50.0%) and the low-income people (32.8%). 36.5% consumers have experienced side effects and 61.1% currently had disease among them with a history of side effects of non prescription drugs.
Conclusion: It is very important for consumers to have a sufficient medical knowledge to improve health. To prevent the misuse/abuse of non prescription drugs, pharmacists` advice on their application should be strongly enforced. And it is urgent for the public health community to inform and educate the general public on this matter.
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KEYWORD
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Non prescription, Knowledge, Awareness
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