Dataset Information

Self-medication among adults with chronic health conditions: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication (SM), the reasons for SM and the relationship between chronic health conditions and SM among adult individuals.

Setting

This was an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study disseminated on different social media platforms in Saudi Arabia.

Participants

Saudi Arabia sample of adult individuals aged 18 and above.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was SM, measured using the following question: 'During the past 6 months, have you used any medicines or dietary supplements, or herbal medicines or vitamins not prescribed or recommended by a doctor?' A positive answer indicates a self-medicated participant.

Results

Out of 1645 individuals who viewed the study link, 1295 participants completed the survey with a response rate of 95.1%. Overall, 989 (76.4%) participants reported practicing SM in the past 6 months. SM was higher among younger participants, women, those with higher education levels and high income, and working in the health field. About 198 (73.3%) who have chronic conditions practised SM for chronic health conditions, such as (hypertension and hypercholesterolemia). Previous experience with the same illness (n=530, 25.7%) and attempting to save time (n=466, 22.6%) were the main reasons behind SM, according to the participants. Adverse drug events were reported by 204 (20.6%) of self-medicating individuals and 274 (64.9%) of them reported discontinuing SM.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate a high prevalence rate of SM among the adult population in Saudi Arabia. Individuals with chronic health conditions reported a high rate of SM. Launching public education campaigns to improve public awareness of the harms of SM if misused, especially among those with chronic health conditions, is essential.

SUBMITTER: Alwhaibi M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10111896 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Self-medication among adults with chronic health conditions: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia.

Alwhaibi Monira M Bin Malik Shatha S Alswailem Leena L Alruthia Yazed Y

BMJ open 20230417 4

<h4>Objectives</h4>This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication (SM), the reasons for SM and the relationship between chronic health conditions and SM among adult individuals.<h4>Setting</h4>This was an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study disseminated on different social media platforms in Saudi Arabia.<h4>Participants</h4>Saudi Arabia sample of adult individuals aged 18 and above.<h4>Primary and secondary outcome measures</h4>Primary outcome was SM, measured using t ...[more]

PMID: 37068891

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Project description:Background/objectivesMedication adherence is essential for effective healthcare, significantly influencing treatment success and overall health outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of how healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia manage and support medication adherence. This study aims to examine physicians' and pharmacists' approaches to managing medication adherence in Saudi Arabia by examining the methods used for adherence assessment, interventions to enhance adherence, and the challenges faced.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted over nine months using a self-administered online questionnaire. The study targeted physicians and pharmacists actively working in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was distributed through professional networks to ensure a broad and representative sample.ResultsA total of 397 healthcare professionals met the inclusion criteria, comprising 81.1% pharmacists and 18.9% physicians. Direct patient inquiry was the most common assessment method, frequently or always used by 81.3% of physicians and 57.1% of pharmacists. Treatment response evaluation was similarly frequent (89.3% of physicians and 56.2% of pharmacists). Standardized tools, such as the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, were underutilized (14.7%). Adherence-enhancing interventions focused on patient education, and their use was reported by 89.3% of physicians and 74.2% of pharmacists as frequent or always. Written information was more commonly used by pharmacists (65.8%) than physicians (45.3%). Barriers included excessive workloads and short consultation times (59.9%), absence of effective systems for tracking adherence (51.9%), lack of reliable tools for assessing adherence (48.9%), and insufficient training in behavioral interventions (48.1%).ConclusionsThis study reveals significant differences in medication adherence management practices between physicians and pharmacists in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing their distinct roles. Key barriers, including excessive workload, limited consultation time, and inadequate tracking systems, hinder the adoption of evidence-based tools. Tailored interventions, enhanced interprofessional collaboration, and systemic support are essential to address these challenges and improve adherence management, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

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Dataset Information

Self-medication among adults with chronic health conditions: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives

Setting

Participants

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Self-medication among adults with chronic health conditions: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia.

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