Document Detail


Airline pilots' knowledge and beliefs about over-the-counter medications.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20131651     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
INTRODUCTION: Toxicological studies of accident pilots frequently find the presence of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. While many of these drugs are approved for use while flying, others are not. To better understand how pilots come to use unapproved OTC drugs, this study explored psychological and behavioral factors that might influence pilots' decisions about using OTC drug products. METHODS: There were 216 working airline pilots who completed a survey that probed their 1) attitudes toward taking medications; 2) knowledge of OTC medications and the pilot-specific rules that govern their usage; 3) perceived pressures in the work environment; and 4) use of available information about OTC medications. RESULTS: The results characterize pilots as workers who are often highly motivated to consider the use of OTC medications, but who lack the knowledge, available information, and information-seeking habits to make informed decisions about OTC drug usage under the more complicated constraints of a safety-critical job. DISCUSSION: Rather than attempt to diminish the perceived appeal of OTC medications in the minds of pilots, we argue that pilots must be provided with additional guidance when making decisions about OTC drug usage.
Authors:
Stephen M Casner; Erin C Neville
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Aviation, space, and environmental medicine     Volume:  81     ISSN:  0095-6562     ISO Abbreviation:  Aviat Space Environ Med     Publication Date:  2010 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-02-05     Completed Date:  2010-03-09     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7501714     Medline TA:  Aviat Space Environ Med     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  112-9     Citation Subset:  IM; S    
Affiliation:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA. stephen.casner@nasa.gov
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Aerospace Medicine* / legislation & jurisprudence
Aged
Drug Labeling
Drug Utilization
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Health Status
Health Surveys
Humans
Middle Aged
Nonprescription Drugs*
United States
Young Adult
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Nonprescription Drugs

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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