Managing sleep problems using non-prescription medications and the role of community pharmacists: older adults' perspectives.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To examine older adults' perspectives regarding managing sleep problems through selection and use of non-prescription sleep aids, and the role of pharmacists.

Methods

Telephone interviews were conducted from May to June 2015 with 116 individuals aged ≥60 years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Participants reported in a previous survey to have used at least one non-prescription sleep aid in the past 30 days and were willing to participate in a follow-up interview. Interview guides were designed to elicit perspectives of sleep problems, selection and use of non-prescription sleep aids, and consultation with healthcare professionals. Interview transcripts underwent content analysis.

Key findings

Four themes emerged as follows: experiences with sleep problems, sele

SUBMITTER: Abraham O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5724494 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature