scholarly journals Self-medication during COVID-19 outbreak: a cross sectional online survey in Dhaka city

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morshed Nasir ◽  
A. S. M. Salauddin Chowdhury ◽  
Tahmina Zahan
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Dhaka City ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Regulatory Enforcement ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Common ◽  
Media Channels

Background: Self-medication is a common practice in Bangladesh as it provides a low-cost alternative for people, which involves inappropriate and injudicious use of medicines treat self-recognized symptoms by the people.Methods: A cross sectional online survey was conducted on 626 citizens by structured questionnaires during COVID-19 outbreak from April to May 2020 in Dhaka city, to observe the prevalence, pattern and sources of self-medication among the respondents with high socio-economic standings and education.Results: The prevalence of self-medication amid the outbreak of COVID-19 was 88.33% and only 179 (28.59%) took medication with doctors’ advice and remaining 447 (71.40%) respondents took the drugs as “self-medication” by other sources. The most frequently used prescription-only drug during the outbreak were ivermectin (77.15%), azithromycin (54.15%), doxycycline (40.25%). The common symptoms for which the respondent took self-medications were fever, throat pain, dry-cough and total 105 (16.77%) respondents took medications without having any symptoms. Almost 355 (85.33%) had taken medication without doing any test for COVID-19. This could be due to unusual distress, caused by high self-awareness of their health and buying capacity of medication.Conclusions: The study revealed the causes of self-medication as news of spread, effects and remedies in media channels, internet; mental stress of lockdown and isolation, insecurity and panic about scarcity of drug and healthcare support. High risks of developing antibiotic resistance, adverse drug reactions and financial loss was predictable with absence of strict regulatory enforcement to protect people and proper utilization resources during COVID-19 outbreak in Dhaka city.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Pattern and Impact of Self Medication of Anti-infective Agents During COVID-19 Outbreak in Dhaka City

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morshed Nasir ◽  
Khandaker Abu Talha ◽  
ASM Salauddin Chowdhury ◽  
Tahmina Zahan ◽  
Rawshan Ara Perveen
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Dhaka City ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income

Abstract Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 is putting a massive strain on vulnerable healthcare system in low and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Inequitable access to healthcare is further widened by the socio-economic gap and sense of insecurity during this pandemic. Self-medication is a common practice in Bangladesh as it provides a low-cost alternative for people, which involves inappropriate and injudicious use of medicines to treat self-recognized symptoms by the people. During the outbreak of COVID-19 in Dhaka city, the tendency of taking medicines by own decision was thought to be increased alarmingly due to unusual distress, caused by high self-awareness of their health and buying capacity of medication. Objectives: To observe the prevalence, pattern, sources and impact of self-medication practice among the respondents with high socio-economic standings and education. Setting: Citizens living in Dhaka city, Bangladesh during COVID-19 outbreak from April 2020 to May 2020. Method: Cross sectional online survey conducted on 626 citizens without having background of medical knowledge or related to any healthcare services (doctors, nurses, pharmacist, medical students) by structured questionnaires during COVID-19 outbreak. Outcome measures: Frequency of self-medication, commonly used antimicrobial agents, symptoms causing self-medication, sources of inspiration, relation with COVID-19 test results, economic burden involved in self-medication during outbreak. Results: The prevalence of self-medication amid the outbreak of COVID-19 was 88.33% and only 179 (28.59%) took medication with doctors’ advice and remaining 447 (71.40%) respondents took the drugs as “self-medication” by other sources. The most frequently used anti-infective drugs during the outbreak were ivermectine (77.15%), azithromycin (54.15%), doxycycline (40.25%). The common symptoms were fever, throat pain, dry-cough and total 105 (16.77%) respondents took medications without having any symptoms. Almost 355 (85.33%) had taken medication without doing any test for COVID-19. The causes of self-medication as news of spread, effects and remedies in media channels, internet; mental stress of lockdown and isolation, insecurity and panic about scarcity of drug and healthcare support. Conclusion: High risks of developing antibiotic resistance, adverse drug reactions and financial loss was predictable with absence of strict regulatory enforcement to protect people and proper utilization resources during COVID-19 outbreak in Dhaka city.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Pattern and Impact of Self Medication of Anti-infective Agents During COVID-19 Outbreak in Dhaka City

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Nasir M ◽  
Mannan M ◽  
Chowdhury ASM ◽  
Zahan T ◽  
Perveen RA
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Dhaka City ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 is putting a massive strain on the vulnerable healthcare systems in low and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Inequitable access to healthcare is further widened by the socio-economic gap and sense of insecurity during this pandemic. Self-medication is a common practice in Bangladesh as it provides a low-cost alternative for people, which involves inappropriate and injudicious use of medicines to treat self-recognized symptoms by the people. During the outbreak of COVID-19 in Dhaka city, the tendency of taking medicines by own decision was increased alarmingly due to unusual distress, caused by high self-awareness of their health and buying capacity of medication. Objectives: To observe the prevalence, pattern, sources, and impact of self-medication practice among the respondents with high socio-economic standings and education. Setting: Citizens living in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, during the COVID-19 outbreak from April 2020 to May 2020. Method: Cross-sectional online survey conducted on 626 citizens without having a background of medical knowledge or related to any healthcare services (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical students) by structured questionnaires during the COVID-19 outbreak. Outcome measures: Frequency of self-medication, commonly used antimicrobial agents, symptoms causing self-medication, sources of inspiration, relation with COVID-19 test results, economic burden involved in self-medication during the outbreak.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study regarding the knowledge, attitude and awareness about self-medication among Bangladeshi people

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Abu Bakar Siddique Jami
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Common People ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medication Practice ◽  
The Common

Abstract Background: Self-medication is the use of medicinal products by the consumer which is not prescribed by the physician or doctor. Self-medication practice (SMP) is widely adopted by the common people of developing countries like Bangladesh. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Aim & Objective: This study was conducted to learn about the knowledge and awareness level and to evaluate the practice and attitude towards self-medication among the common people of Bangladesh. Method: Primary data was collected by conducting an online survey with a well-constructed questionnaire. Data collection was carried out from May 2021 to June 2021. The subjects were minimum 15 years of age. From 35 districts of Bangladesh, total 322 people of different age groups, education levels, economic classes participated in the survey. Result: 71% (229) of the respondents were 21-25 years of age. 66% were undergraduate students. Most of them were from middle class society and well-educated. 80% of the population said that they had purchased or taken medicines without any prescription. 57% of them told they do not consider self-medication as a very safe practice although, 87% of the population had practiced self-medication at least once in the preceding year. Antipyretics (212), Analgesics (165), Drugs for Cold/Cough (197) and Anti-ulcer/Antacids (140) were the majority categories of medicines that were used mostly for self-medication. Nearly all (311) of them collects SMP medicine from Pharmacy shops. Previous prescription (146), Advice from family or friends (165) and Internet or other media (113) were their common sources of information for their self-medication practice. Conclusion: Self-medication practice is highly prevalent in Bangladesh. People are not aware enough about possible negative outcomes of it. Therefore, the regulatory laws should be implemented more strictly regarding buying and selling medicines

scholarly journals Concerns in the Norwegian Population during the Initial Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6119
Author(s):  
Inger Schou-Bredal ◽  
Laila Skogstad ◽  
Tine K. Grimholt ◽  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Øivind Ekeberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Next Of Kin ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Norwegian Population ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Response Alternatives

Although concern affects one’s welfare or happiness, few studies to date have focused on peoples’ concerns during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. The aim of the study was to explore concerns in the Norwegian populations according to gender and age, and identify which concerns were most prominent during the lockdown. A population-based cross-sectional online survey using snowball-sampling strategies was conducted, to which 4527 adults (≥18 years) responded. Questions related to concerns had response alternatives yes or no. In addition, they were asked which concern was most prominent. Nearly all the 4527 respondents (92%) reported that they were concerned: 60.9% were generally concerned about the pandemic, 83.9% were concerned about family and friends, 21.8% had financial concerns, and 25.3% expected financial loss. More women were concerned about family and friends than males, (85.2% vs. 76.2%, p < 0.001), whereas more men expected financial loss (30.4% vs. 24.4%y, p = 0.001). Younger adults (<50 years) had more financial concerns than older adults (25.9% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). Being concerned about family and friends was the most prominent concern and was associated with; lower age (OR 0.79), female gender (OR 1.59), and being next of kin (2.42). The most prominent concern for adults 70 years or older was being infected by COVID-19. In conclusion, women and younger individuals were most concerned. While adults under 70 years of age were most concerned about family and friends and adults 70 years or older were most concerned about being infected by COVID-19.

scholarly journals Antibiotics self-medication among undergraduate pharmacy students in Northern Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 239920261984684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Garba Mohammed Khalid ◽  
Abubakar Ibrahim Jatau ◽  
Umar Idris Ibrahim ◽  
Fatima Mustapha Dungus ◽  
Zayyanu Shitu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Antibiotics Resistance ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Northern Nigeria ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Survey Form

Introduction: The burden of antibiotic self-medication (ASM) is increasing and becoming a global health threat due to antibiotics resistance. However, little is known about ASM among undergraduate pharmacy students who are the future custodians of medicines including antibiotics. Therefore, this study aims to develop, validate and utilize an online survey tool to investigate the prevalence of ASM among undergraduate pharmacy students in Northern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey form was developed, validated by face validity, content validity, and pilot study. The hyperlink to the online survey form was shared with undergraduate pharmacy students in northern Nigeria via WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. Data were collected from eligible participants and analyzed using descriptive statistic. Results: A total of 217 students responded to the online survey, with a completion rate of 100%. Of the total number of respondents, 200 (92.2%) reported practicing ASM at least once in their lifetime. The major reasons for ASM were previous knowledge (40.4%) and having no time to see a doctor or pharmacist (27.5%). Amoxicillin (32.6%), Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (32.1%), Ampicillin/Cloxacillin (21.7%) and Ciprofloxacin (22.6%) were the most commonly implicated antibiotics in ASM. Cough, diarrhea, typhoid, and wound were the most frequently involved conditions. Patent medicine vendors (75.4%) and community pharmacies (29.4%) were the common source of antibiotics subjected to ASM. Conclusion: A research tool to assess ASM among undergraduate pharmacy students has been developed, validated and utilized. The prevalence of ASM is high among undergraduate pharmacy students in Northern Nigeria. Interventions to improve knowledge and awareness on ASM are needed among undergraduate pharmacy students to ensure antibiotic stewardship.

scholarly journals Local Dental Emergencies and Mitigation Strategies Adopted by Private Dental Practitioners of South India during COVID-19 Shelter in Place Warning - Multi-Centric Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 384-390
Author(s):  
Tina Puthen Purayil ◽  
Kalyana-Chakravarthy Pentapati ◽  
Vidya-Saraswathi Muliya ◽  
Srikanth Gadicherla ◽  
Rajasekhar Nutalapati
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
South India ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Decayed Tooth ◽  
The Common ◽  
Age And Sex ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Objective: To evaluate the common dental emergencies reported to dental practitioners and to compare the mitigation strategies implemented during the Shelter-In-Place (SIP) warning with dental practitioners’ age and sex. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among the dental practitioners of south India during the period of COVID-19 SIP warning. An initial pool of items was prepared to capture the mitigation strategies in managing local dental emergencies. A structured questionnaire was then prepared in English based on the inputs of four expert dentist panel. Age and sex of the practitioners were also recorded. Results: The mean age of the dental practitioners was 37.11(range: 23 - 63) years.Of 159 dental practitioners that responded to survey, 90 were male. Most dental practitioners responded that they were contacted through a phone call (n=140) and WhatsApp messaging (n=108). The common dental emergencies reported were tooth pain (100%), swelling (91.7%), a decayed tooth (81.3%), and gum pain (78.6%). A higher number of male than female dental practitioners had “scheduled the treatment immediately” (OR=3.45; P=0.002) after adjusting for age. Conclusion:The most common dental emergencies during COVID-19 SIP were tooth pain, swelling, decayed teeth, and gum pain. Males and older dental practitioners scheduled appointments immediately.

scholarly journals Personal Protective Equipements usage and its disposal by the residents of Dhaka city during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed method enquiry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuvashis Saha ◽  
Md Shah Newaz ◽  
Shajib Hazari ◽  
Mohammad Kabir Uddin ◽  
Samiul Iqbal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Dhaka City ◽  
Protective Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hot Weather ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The City

Abstract Context: COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hazard not only to the health and economy but also to the environment worldwide. In absence of an effective vaccine to the mass people, practice of preventive measures against coronavirus can only save the health and economy of a poor nation like Bangladesh. In one hand, poor practice of protective behavior against the novel coronavirus has been reported among the general population and on the other hand, sudden rise of Personal Protective Equipements (PPEs) use are causing massive damage to the environment of the cities like Dhaka. Aims: This study aims to understand the perception and practice of use and disposal of PPEs against COVID-19 by the residents of Dhaka city. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was designed with a mixed method approach with an online survey and key informant interviews of the residents of Dhaka city Results: About 44% respondents were regular mask users and 3% used gloves regularly while staying out of home. Confusion, discomfort, hot weather and unaffordability were commonly reasoned for not regular use. About 40% of the respondents disposed their used masks or gloves to open places in the streets at some point of their life during the pandemic. Lack of proper disposal facilities in the city was evident throughout the study. Conclusions: A proper health education program along with government initiatives enhancing disposal facilities around the city can improve the situation.

scholarly journals Availability and Service Provision of Multidisciplinary Diabetes Foot Units in Australia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uyen Giao Vo ◽  
Molly Gilfillan ◽  
Emma Jane Hamilton ◽  
Laurens Manning ◽  
Bijit Munshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Surgery ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
The Common ◽  
Current Characteristics ◽  
Foot Disease ◽  
And Function ◽  
Prevalence Of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background: With growing global prevalence of diabetes mellitus, diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) is contributing significantly to disease burden. As more healthcare resources are being dedicated to the management of DFD, service design and delivery is being scrutinised. Through a national survey, this study aims to investigate the current characteristics of services which treat patients with DFD in Australia.Methods: An online survey was distributed to all 195 Australian members of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery investigating aspects of DFD management in each member’s institution.Results: From the survey, 52 responses were received (26.7%). A multidisciplinary diabetes foot unit (MDFU) was available in more than half of respondent’s institutions, most of which were tertiary hospitals. The common components of MDFU were identified as podiatrists, endocrinologists, vascular surgeons and infectious disease physicians. Majority of respondents (84.3%) identified vascular surgery as being the primary admitting specialty for DFD patients that require hospitalisation. This finding was consistent even in centres with MDFU clinics. Less than 20% of MDFUs had independent admission rights.Conclusions: Most tertiary centres in Australia provide their diabetic foot service in a multidisciplinary environment however their composition and function remain heterogeneous. The findings of this study provide an opportunity to evaluate current practice and, to initiate strategies aimed to improve outcomes of patients with DFD.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic and Behavioural Response to Self-Medication Practice in Western Uganda

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel S. Dare ◽  
Ejike Daniel Eze ◽  
Echoru Isaac ◽  
Ibe Michael Usman ◽  
Fred Ssempijja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medication Practice ◽  
Western Uganda

ABSTRACTBackgroundSelf-medication has become is a serious public health problem globally posing great risks, especially with the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 disease in Uganda. This is may be partly because of the absence of a recognized treatment for the disease, however, the prevalence and nature differ from country to country which may influence human behavioural responses.AimThis study aimed to investigated the beharioural response of the community towards self- medication practices during this COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.MethodsA cross sectional household and online survey was conducted during the months of June-to- August. The study was conducted among adult between age 18 above in communities of western Uganda who consented to participate in the study. Study participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique and sampling was done by sending a structured online questionnaire via Google forms and a printed copies questionnaire made available to other participants that did not use the online questionnaireResultsThe percentage of respondents that know about self-medication is (97%) and those that practice self-medication are approximately (88%). 97% of respondents have heard about self-medication either through health workers, media, family members, friends and/or school while 3% said they have not heard about self-medication. The percentage of respondents who practiced self- medication during COVID-19 pandemic is 57% while those that did not is 43%. There is statistically difference in the number of those that practice self-medication and those that do not p < 0.005 at 95% confidence interval. Also there was a statistically significant decrease in the number of respondents that practice self-medication during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown compare to the practice before the pandemic lockdown p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval.ConclusionOur investigation showed adequate knowledge of self-medication and high level of self- medication practice with a decrease in self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown compared to the practice before the lockdown.

scholarly journals Interpersonal Violence during the COVID-19 Lockdown Period in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (230) ◽  
Author(s):  
Calvin Ghimire ◽  
Sajan Acharya ◽  
Carmina Shrestha ◽  
Prabhat KC ◽  
Swarndeep Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Disease Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Government

Introduction: The government issued a country-wide lockdown in Nepal as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in various difficult experiences which includes financial loss, separation from loved ones, grief, uncertainty over disease status and loss of freedom. During these stressful situations, interpersonal violence is likely to be aggravated. To avoid the occurrence of adverse events such as impulsive acts, homicide, or suicide, it is important to identify high-risk individuals. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey by convenience sampling. The prevalence of different types of interpersonal violence with socio-demographic factors, substance use, and overall mental wellbeing was assessed by using descriptive statistical tests. Results: Out of total 556 participants included in the analysis, 50.9% (283) were male and 48.7% (271) were female. There were 100 (18.0%) participants who reported being a victim of interpersonal violence and 101 (18.2%) participants who reported being a perpetrator during the lockdown. The victims of violence were more likely to be living with their spouse alone. The victims and perpetrators were also more likely to have increased alcohol and tobacco use. More number of victims and perpetrators had lower mental wellbeing scores on the WHO wellbeing index. Conclusions: There was prevalence of interpersonal violence during the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition to the fear regarding pandemic, victims have to face domestic violence placing them at a double injustice. Identification of vulnerable groups and proper management of survivors must be prioritized given the unanimous consensus on the rise of interpersonal violence during periods of heightened stress.

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