Patient Knowledge, Attitudes, and Expectations Regarding Over-the-Counter Medications: A Survey-Based Study in Tehran Community Pharmacies

Negin Nasirian; Peivand Ghasemzadeh; Ramin Asgharian; Neda Koulaeinejad; Nafiseh Valaei Sharif

doi:10.18502/jpc.v13i2.19309

Negin Nasirian Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Management, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Peivand Ghasemzadeh Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Management, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Ramin Asgharian Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Management, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Neda Koulaeinejad Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Nafiseh Valaei Sharif Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Management, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jpc.v13i2.19309

Keywords: Knowledge; Attitude; Expectation; Nonprescription drugs; Pharmacy

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate patient knowledge, attitudes, and expectations concerning over-the-counter (OTC) medications and to investigate the impact of demographic characteristics on patients' choices when buying these medications. Gaining insight into these elements is essential for encouraging the safe use of OTC drugs and mitigating the potential dangers linked to their improper use or misinterpretation.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated Tehran community pharmacies between April 2022 and March 2023. A validated 25-item questionnaire was distributed to 384 participants, resulting in 306 complete responses for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Pearson correlation (r), independent-samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

Results: In a study investigating OTC medication information, pharmacists were identified as the leading source for most participants (71.6%). The research revealed moderate mean scores for participant knowledge (3.3 ± 0.6) and attitudes (3.3 ± 0.5), while relatively high expectations (3.8 ± 0.7). Further analysis indicated a significant association between a participant's education level and their knowledge (P = 0.001) and expectations (P = 0.022) concerning OTC medications. Participants aged 45 and older demonstrated significantly higher expectations (P = 0.015). However, no significant differences were observed in knowledge or attitudes based on gender, the presence of chronic illness, or regular medication use.

Conclusion: These results highlight significant knowledge deficits, especially concerning the appropriate dosage and administration of medications, even though pharmacists are the primary source of such information. Consequently, there is a clear need for public health education campaigns specifically designed for older adults and individuals with lower levels of education. Furthermore, pharmacist-led interventions should be enhanced to better reconcile patient expectations with evidence-based pharmaceutical practices.