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Self-medication practices among adult population attending community pharmacies in Malaysia: an exploratory study.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21811832     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Objective To assess the prevalence of self-medication among adults in an urban setting and to identify any factors contributing to self-medication in relation to consumer characteristics. Setting The study was carried out in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study using a self administered questionnaire including adults above 21 years old as an exit survey was conducted in Kuala Lumpur. Main outcome measures Number of medications taken in a day by participants, source of medication for the treatment of minor illnesses among participants, common illnesses chosen for self-medication by participants, and the sources of information of participants. Results Of 314 participants, 62.7% had taken at least one medication in the past week without prescription and 62.7% believed that over the counter medicines were just as effective as those prescribed by doctors. 69.4% would seek a healthcare professional's advice before purchasing any medication and 86.9% would consult a pharmacist prior to buying medication from the pharmacy. Only 86% checked the expiry dates on medications and 54.5% reported keeping leftover medication. Conclusions Self-medication practice is prevalent in Kuala Lumpur but some practice might be harmful. Education on appropriate use of self-medication need to be emphasized in order to ensure quality use of medicines.
Authors:
Mohamed Azmi Hassali; Asrul Akmal Shafie; Harith Al-Qazaz; Jayabalan Tambyappa; Subish Palaian; Vidhya Hariraj
Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-8-3
Journal Detail:
Title:  International journal of clinical pharmacy     Volume:  -     ISSN:  2210-7711     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-8-3     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101554912     Medline TA:  Int J Clin Pharm     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Minden, Penang, Malaysia, azmihassali@usm.my.
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