Sources of information concerning OTC medicines and rural population opinions concerning their effect on health
Journal Title: Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu - Year 2015, Vol 21, Issue 2
Abstract
Introduction. Although self-treatment has been known for ages, it is the medicines currently available which make it possible to medicate oneself on one’s own responsibility. Each year, new products are introduced, which have various efficacy and possible unwanted effects. The growing demand for OTC drugs is largely stimulated by advertisements in mass media. Aim. The aim of the conducted studies was to analyse the most popular sources of information about the OTC drugs as well as to determine respondents’ opinions about the impact of such medicaments upon health. Material and methods. A survey technique was employed in the study, with an anonymous questionnaire specifically prepared. The study comprised a group of 114 people living in the Świętokrzyskie voivodeship, in the 16–66 age bracket. The relevance level assumed in the study was p<0.05. Results. The main sources of information about the OTC drugs for women are advertisement (47.62%) and family (36.51%), whereas in men it was advertisement (37.25%) and a pharmacist (35.29%). It is alarming that only 25% of women and barely 7% of men read information leaflets. Moreover, only 20% of women and 51% of men are able to recognise the possibility of medicine interactions if more drugs are used simultaneously. Conclusions. The most reliable sources of information for women are advertisements and family, and for men it is advertisement and a pharmacist. The respondents indicated their need of receiving information from a pharmacist about potential side-effects as well as about the risks of taking medicines without doctor’s supervision. The results of the study confirm the need of educating society in scope of benefits and risks related to OTC drugs consumption.
Authors and Affiliations
Monika Szpringer, Marzena Olędzka, Justyna Kosecka, Elżbieta Galińska, Jarosław Chmielewski, Bogumił Sobczyk, Magdalena Wawrzeńczyk
Keywords
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