A brief report of the status of self-medication with over-the-counter drugs: a pilot cross-sectional survey.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The extent of perceived knowledge and usage status regarding over-the-counter (OTC) drugs among Japanese citizens remains unclear. This study aims to assess OTC drug use through a pilot cross-sectional survey.

Results

Conducted on April 30, 2023, at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, the survey garnered 180 valid responses. Among these, 76.1% were female and 56.1% aged 16-19 years. Over the past year, 70.6% used OTC drugs, and price (60.0%), effectiveness (50.0%), and ingredients (43.3%) were the top three factors focused on during OTC drug selection. Most respondents (97.2%) were aware of Package Inserts (PI), with 51.7% reading them before purchasing or using new OTC drugs. 10% reported online purchases. However, 17.2% were unaware

SUBMITTER: Hatabu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11773906 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature