Abstract

Dr. Hedieh Vafaeerokh and Dr. Ramin Radmanesh*

ABSTRACT

Background: Self-medication is a behavior in which a person tries to solve a health problem without opinion of professionals. Currently, self-medication is one of the major problems in the treatment cycle in Iran and many other countries resulting in bacterial resistance, lack of optimal treatment, unwanted poisoning, wasted costs, etc. Therefore, in this study, the factors affecting patients' approach for buying and consuming over-the-counter medicines have been studied. Methods: The statistical population was the customers of pharmacies in Tehran. Sample size was 384 patients according to Morgan's table. A researcher-made questionnaire was developed to evaluate the factors affecting patients' approach to buy and consume OTC drugs. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to measure reliability. ANOVA, Pearson test, Friedman test were used to evaluate correlations between frequency of buying and consuming of OTC drugs with variables. The data were analysed using SPSS statistical software V.16. Results: There was a positive and significant correlation between the frequency of use of OTC drugs and variables (advertising, drug packaging, the extent of awareness of correct use of OTC drugs). The highest correlated variable was the level of knowledge and awareness of patients. Consultation with a pharmacist, consulting a doctor or pharmacist about advertising OTC medicines, use of OTC medicines based on previous experience and the information contained in the prescription drug brochure were the most important factors in buying OTC medicines. Conclusion: Consulting a pharmacist can play an important role in proper use of medicines and reducing their side effects.