Abstract

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE OF “OVER-THE-COUNTER” MEDICATIONS AMONG GENERAL POPULATION

Preethu P. John*, Ajimi S. A., Hanna Mariyam Shibu, Hellen P. Maman, Krishna S., Sneha Sony and Dr. Santhosh M. Mathews

ABSTRACT

Objective: Irrational use of OTC medication is a major health threat and efforts should be intensified to ensure its appropriate usage. This study evaluated knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) among general population towards usage of OTC medicines. Methodology: A Prospective observational study was carried out among general population at Peringara Panchayat in Pathanamthitta district by using a KAP questionnaire. KAP scores were calculated and categorized into high, moderate, and poor levels based on each pre-test and post-test score means. Results: Out of 207 individuals, it was found that, initially 25 (12.09%) individuals have good knowledge, 64 (30.91%) have moderate knowledge and remaining 118 (57%) had poor knowledge. This was improved as 170 (82.12%) individuals with good knowledge after post-test. Only 53 (25.06%) of individuals had a satisfactory attitude about OTC medication before the intervention that increased to 153 (73.91%) after intervention. As to subjective practice level of the population, 133 (64.25%) of individuals had a good practice towards the usage of OTC medication during pre-test which increased to 207 (100%) after post-test. Conclusion: Subjects possessed poor knowledge and negative attitude towards usage of OTC medications, however but most of them were having good practice during the pre-test. As pharmacy students, we tried to make them aware about the appropriate usage of OTC medication thus ensuring patient safety and improve quality of life. As a result of our intervention, they have shown a significant  improvement in their knowledge, attitude and practice on the usage of OTC drugs.

Keywords: OTC medication; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; General population; Intervention.