scholarly journals Prevalence and predictors of self-medication drugs to prevent or treat COVID-19: experience from a Middle Eastern country

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Elayeh ◽  
Amal Akour ◽  
Randa Haddadin
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Active Involvement

Background Lack of definitive cure for COVID-19 and the late introduction of a vaccine were responsible to push the general public to look for a remedy to treat or prevent COVID-19. The objective of this study was to evaluate patterns and factors that affect self-medication practices in Jordan during the pandemic. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire that was developed, piloted and distributed to the general public via various social media platforms. The questionnaire assessed the type of drugs and treatments used to self -medicate, the reasons behind their self- medication, and the factors affecting their practices. Results A total of 1179 participants (females 46.4%) with a mean age of 32 (SD=12.5) completed the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of the use of at least one product to treat or prevent COVID-19 was 80.4 %. The most commonly used products to self-medicate were vitamin C (57.6%), followed by paracetamol (51.9%), zinc (44.8%) and vitamin D (32.5%). Female gender (odds ratio [OR]) = 1.603, working in the medical field (OR =1.697), and history of COVID-19 infection (OR =2.026) were variables associated with self-medication. The most common sources of participants’ information about drugs to prevent or treat COVID-19 were newspapers (n=519, 44.0%), followed by pharmacists (43.4%), friends (33.8%) and internet searching such as Google (30.7%). Conclusion This study identified the main drugs and supplements used during COVID-19 and the motives behind their use. It also identified the most influential source of information on the public during the pandemic. Self-medication can lead to worsening of the patient’s health and delay seeking medical advice from healthcare professionals. Efforts should be done to help mitigate risks of self-medications by active involvement of pharmacists and other members of healthcare team to refute false claims about drug, especially in the media.

scholarly journals Behavior of Medical Students toward Over-the-Counter Drugs in Comparison to Students from Other Faculties, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
pp. 129-135
Author(s):  
Amar Fathi Mohamed Khalifa ◽  
Yasser Nabil AlKhudairy ◽  
Adel Ahmed Algahtani ◽  
Bandar Mohammed Abduljabbar ◽  
Fahad Majed Aldawsari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Otc Drugs ◽  
Professional Guidance

Background: Over-the-counter-drugs (OTC) are drugs that can be obtained by patients without a prescription from a physician. In Saudi Arabia, it has been reported that more than half of university students practiced self-medication and used OTC drugs. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study, among medical and non-medical students in Riyadh. The sample size was 421, by systemic random sampling. A pre-coded pre-tested online questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS V 23. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no significant relationship between what the participants were majoring in and the usage of OTC drugs (p value= 0.373). Gender also had no relation with the use of OTC (p value= 0.168). Panadol appeared as the most commonly used OTC drug 62.9% for the relief of the most commonly mentioned factor which is headache 50.12%.  Conclusion: Medical education didn’t have much of an effect on the use of OTC drugs. Moreover, professional guidance or advice was not considered most of the time for taking OTC, but the majority of respondents portrayed good behavior towards usage of OTC.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Factors Related to Self-Medication for COVID-19 Prevention in the Elderly

Salmand ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-127
Author(s):  
Narjes Heshmatifar ◽  
◽  
Arezoo Davarinia Motlagh Quchan ◽  
Zohreh Mohammadzadeh Tabrizi ◽  
Leila Moayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Major Factors

Objectives: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis and health outcomes are among the major human social events of the 21st century. The unknown nature of the disease and the fear of contagion have caused emotional reactions, including the self-consumption of drugs in the elderly. Therefore, this study investigated factors affecting the self-consumption of drugs for COVID-19 prevention in the elderly. Methods & Materials: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed on 342 elderly in Sabzevar City, Iran, in 2020. The research units were selected as clusters from 16 health centers. The necessary data were collected by an online self-medication questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS. Results: The Mean±SD age of the study participants was 66.2±5.67 years. The frequency of self-medication to prevent COVID-19 was 190(55.5%); analgesics, vitamins, anti-cold, and antibiotics were the most common drugs used. The major factors associated with self-medication in the COVID-19 pandemic were disease prevention, home quarantine, financial problems, experiencing previous self-medication, and others’ advice. There was a significant relationship between self-medication and education and insurance coverage. No significant relationship was observed between gender, occupation, and marital status, and self-medication. Conclusion: Self-Medication in the COVID-19 epidemic is notable as a crisis threatening the elderly’s health. Controlling and monitoring how the drug is used is among the requirements for protection and health promotion in the elderly.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Awareness of Saudi Public Regarding the Outbreak and Prevention of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia; a Questionnaire-Based Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (13) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Reem Al Madani ◽  
Shahzeb H. Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
General Public ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Male And Female

INTRODUCTION: The dispersion of severe COVID-19 has already occupied on pandemic extents, disturbing over 100 nations in a matter of months. A worldwide response to formulate health systems global is imperious. MATERIALS & METHODS: This is a cross sectional study conducted among the Saudi general public using an online survey. Saudis (male and female) of all ages willing to participate in this study were requested to fill up the survey. An online questionnaire was designed using Google Forms with questions related to personal and demographic information followed by COVID-10 related questions. RESULTS: A total of N=1026 subjects participated in this study and responded by completing the online survey. They were divided into groups including gender, age, education and profession type. As far as gender was concerned, 243 (23.7%) males and 783 (76.3%) females took part. CONCLUSION: Overall knowledge of Saudis regarding COVID-19 is above average.

scholarly journals Knowledge of final year medicine, pharmacy, audiology and nursing students in South Africa on drug-induced ototoxicity: A pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omphile Mogole ◽  
Natalie Schellack ◽  
Cara Hollander ◽  
Lebogang Ramma
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Care ◽  
General Signs

Background: There is a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB), cancer and malaria in South Africa, and the drugs used to treat these conditions can be ototoxic. It is therefore important that healthcare professionals are able to identify and understand these drugs and their effects to ensure effective care of the patient.Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding pharmacotherapy-induced ototoxicity amongst final year, medicine, pharmacy, audiology and nursing students across South African universities.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, and data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to identify the participants at the universities which train audiologists, pharmacists, medical and nursing students.Results: An overall response rate of 41% (n = 720) was obtained. Sixty-four per cent (n = 461) of respondents were women (median age: 23 years). The majority of the respondents (95%) knew what pharmacotherapy-induced ototoxicity was, but a few (39%) knew the general signs and symptoms of ototoxicity. Furthermore, just less than half of the sample (48%) could identify the specific ototoxic medicines and the type of damage caused by this medication.Conclusion: To manage pharmacotherapy-induced ototoxicity effectively, a multidisciplinary healthcare team must have sufficient knowledge about ototoxicity. Therefore, efforts should be made to introduce extensively concepts of pharmacotherapy-induced ototoxicity into the undergraduate curricula of pharmacy, medical, nursing and audiology programmes.

scholarly journals Psychosocial stress in South African patients with type 2 diabetes

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Ramkisson ◽  
Basil J. Pillay ◽  
Ben Sartorius
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Psychosocial Stress ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
North Coast ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
African Patients

Objective: Diabetes mellitus is considered an emotionally and behaviourally demanding condition which adds to the stress of a patient’s daily living. There is a paucity of literature in South Africa regarding stress and diabetes. This study therefore aims to identify the areas and contributory factors of psychosocial stress in South African patients with diabetes.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two public facilities and five private medical practices on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Questionnaire on Stress in Diabetes – Revised was administered to 401 participants.Results: Eighteen percent of the sample reported having extreme psychosocial stress. Depression, physical complaints and self-medication/diet were the main areas which contributed to high psychosocial stress. Factors that also contributed to high levels of psychosocial stress were low educational level, unemployment, female gender, attending the public sector and high HbA1c levels.Conclusion: Psychosocial stress affects metabolic control in patients with diabetes, thereby increasing the risks of long-term complications.

scholarly journals Medicine Usage Behavior among Common People of Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Md. Monirul Islam ◽  
Md. Imran Nur Manik ◽  
Abu Zobayed ◽  
Fatema Tabassum ◽  
Furhatun Noor
Keyword(s):  
Dosage Regimen ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Common People ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Qualification ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
The People ◽  
Usage Behavior

Medication usage behavior of people is an important concern for health authorities worldwide. This study was aimed to find the prevalence of self-medication, perception about drug storage, dosage regimen, side effects and missing doses of prescribed medications among people of Bangladesh. The study also aimed at the different factors that regulate the above-mentioned behavior of people from different regions of the country. This cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire form that was distributed randomly among the people. A total of 1028 respondents took part in the survey. Different statistical operations were done on the responses and the results were presented were using tables and graphs. Among the participants, 31.52% often practiced self-medication and 26.94% did it rarely. There was a significant correlation between self-medication and educational qualification (p=0.023) and residence (p<0.001) variables. The tendency to not completing the dosage regimen is high in villages (44%) than urban (35%) and semi-urban (38%) areas. The rate of not recovering the missing doses is higher (40%) among the people with a low level of education than the educated people (27%). This study showed a significant correlation among medicines usage behavior and educational qualification and residential area of the participants. The policymakers should take steps to increase awareness about the safe use of medicines among common people of rural area.

scholarly journals Attitudes of Middle Eastern Societies towards Organ Donation: The Effect of Demographic Factors among Jordanian Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. p1
Author(s):  
Amjad Bani Hani ◽  
Isam Bsisu ◽  
Amjad Shatarat ◽  
Osama Sarhan ◽  
Ala’ Hassouneh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organ Donation ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Field ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Acceptance Rates ◽  
Main Barrier

Background: Organ donation gives thousands of patients a renewed chance at living full and active lives. Unfortunately, the need for organs does not match their availability. This study aims to analyze the effect of demographic factors on the knowledge and awareness of the Jordanian society towards organ donation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire. We included 1041 adult Jordanians from all the governorates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Results: Of the 1041 participants, only 124 (11.9%) had previously singed organ donation card. Overall, 827 (79.4%) were fully accepting organ donation. Among 782 participants in the medical field, 639 (81.7%) fully accepted organ donation, compared to 188 out of 259 (72.6%) in the non-medical field (p= 0.002), with no significant effect of any demographic factor on the willingness to sign organ donation card. There was significant difference in the acceptance of donation from brain dead donors (p< 0.001), with participants from medical field and male participants having higher acceptance rates when compared with non-medical and female participants, respectively. The main barrier for organ donation was found to be the desire to be buried as a whole (58.2%), followed by traditional beliefs (47.4%), and family refusal (42.2%). Conclusions: In conclusion, an educational strategy can improve organ donation awareness from an early age by spreading actionable information through social media and conducting nationwide public campaigns.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF SELF MEDICATION PRACTICES

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (05) ◽  
pp. 608-613
Author(s):  
Shumaila Humayun ◽  
Warda Imran ◽  
Iram Naheed ◽  
Nazish Javid ◽  
Misbah Hussain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Minor Ailments ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: Worldwide practice of self-medication is increasing and due to lackof awareness emphasis is put on counseling of general public. Aim: To assess the practices ofself-medication among general public. Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Place andduration of study: Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from February 2015 to September2015. Methods: Two hundred and fifty five attendants accompanying patients in general OPDof Fauji Foundation Hospital completed a self-administered questionnaire translated in urdulanguage for this study. Results: Out of 255 study participants, 168 (or 65.9%) practiced selfmedication.The prevalence was found highest among 25 to 38 years old (70.2%) and wasalmost equally distributed in males 65 (65.65%) and females 103 (66.02%). The main reasonsfor self-medication were lack of time (43.45%), and high doctor fee (35.71%).Factors influencingthis practice were age, employment, income and the education level. Conclusions: The studyrevealed that prevalence of self-medication was high among study population. Majority ofrespondents practiced self-medication for minor ailments and to get quick relief, or to avoidhigh doctor fee. Pharmacies are a big source of providing drugs for self-medication. Thereis need for healthcare professionals to educate the general public about the hazards ofinappropriate medicine use, and there should be restrictions on over-the-counter sale of drugswithout doctor’s prescription.

scholarly journals Contraceção em Adolescentes: Conhecimentos e Práticas em Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 505
Author(s):  
Patrícia Miranda ◽  
Pascoal Moleiro ◽  
Pedro Gaspar ◽  
Alexandra Luz
Keyword(s):  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ethics Committee ◽  
Continuous Medical Education ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exploratory Factorial Analysis

Introduction: Adolescents are a target group for reproductive health intervention. Family physicians, gynecologists and pediatricians are the main providers of contraceptive counseling.Material and Methods: Correlational, cross-sectional study, approved by the ethics committee of Leiria Hospital, Portugal. Data was collected through a validated online questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha and Exploratory Factorial Analysis) using a semantic differential scale (1 — Totally Agree; 5 — Totally Disagree). Higher scores were indicative of greater knowledge or suitability concerning the matter in question. Results were compared by gender, specialty, years of career and rank: consultant or resident.Results: We received 338 responses (51% family physicians, 29% pediatricians, 20% gynecologists), 66% were specialists, 36% had been working for less than 5 years and 17% for more than 20 years. Awareness of national recommendations was higher in gynecologists [4.38 (1.09)] and in the female gender [3.65 (1.41)] with statistically significant differences. Gynecologists had more recent training [3.79 (1.42)] and considered themselves to be up-to-date [4.41 (0.70)], p < 0.001.Discussion: The questionnaire showed reliability and validity. Gynecologists were more familiarized with adolescent contraception; pediatricians and young clinicians highlighted the need for an update on this matter. Gynecologists had more training and considered themselves up-to-date, so training in this area seems to have a positive impact.Conclusion: Knowledge about contraceptive counseling is not yet sufficient, so it is very important to invest in the continuous medical education of clinicians.

scholarly journals Beyond COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in Italy exploring the Covid Collateral Impacts

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M R Gualano ◽  
A Corradi ◽  
G Voglino ◽  
F Bert ◽  
R Siliquini
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic is a calamity affecting many aspects. In particular healthcare services (HCS) are facing a great stress-test worldwide. The present work aims to explore what were health needs, beyond COVID, not covered among Italian citizens, due to fear, lockdown measures and overload of HCS, also in order to understand if there are specific subgroups of populations that will need urgent access to health services in the next future. Methods COCOS (COvid COllateral impactS) is a cross-sectional study performed during the Italian lockdown between April and May 2020. A forty-nine items online questionnaire was filled by the respondents. Participation was voluntary and without compensation. Informed consents were obtained. Descriptive, univariable and multivariable (logistic regression models) analyses were performed: results are expressed in ORs. Results Totally, 1,515 questionnaires were collected. Median age was 42 years, 65.6% were females. Around 22% declared to suffer from chronic diseases. Interestingly, 32.4% of the sample faced a delay of a scheduled Medical Service (MS) by provider decision, while 25.6% reported that this issue hit a family member. More than 13% refused to access scheduled MS for the fear of contagion, and the 6.5% avoided HCS even if having an acute onset issue: this behavior was associated with scarce trust in physicians (AdjOR 0.75); alarmingly, 1.5% avoided Emergency Department when in need and 5% of the sample took medications without consulting any physician: patients suffering from chronic conditions resulted to be more prone to self-medication (AdjOR: 2.16; 95% C.I.: 1.16-4.02). Conclusions COVID-19 immediate effects are just the tip of the iceberg. Large groups of population suffered delays and interruptions of medical services, and the most vulnerable were the most affected. To estimate the effects of the pandemic on non-COVID-19 patients is required, leading to aimed efforts, to reduce the backlog that HCS incurred in. Key messages COVID-19 biggest toll on public health is still to come if not prevented, due to temporary but widespread suspensions of scheduled medical services and the avoidance of these for fear of contagion. The most in need are the most vulnerable: older patients and those with chronic conditions are the most affected by suspension of medical services and will potentially pay the greatest cost.

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