SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES WITH OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) DRUGS AMONG ELDERLY IN RURAL VILLAGES: SUGGESTED NURSING GUIDELINES FOR SAFE USE
Ebtesam Mo'awad El-Sayed Ebied - Gerontological Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt
ABSTRACT
Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is a serious social-health and economic problem in Egypt. It involves the consumption of one or several OTC medications such as pain relievers, cough remedies, anti-allergies, laxatives, antacids, vitamins as well as antibiotics without physician prescription. Age-related changes occur in the elderly, predispose this vulnerable population to greater risks of adverse events, drug-drug interactions, therapeutic errors, and misuse. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore self-medication practices with OTC drugs among elderly in rural villages and to suggest nursing guidelines for safe medication use. Using descriptive exploratory research design, a convenience sample of 100 elderly was selected from five villages. Tools: Data were collected using 2 developed tools 1-structured interviewing questionnaire to assess a- personal and medical data, b-elderly satisfaction with quality of medication system and source of knowledge about OTC drugs. c- Practices of self-medication with OTC drugs (reasons, pattern, types and symptoms), and 2-A 3 point likert scale to measure attitude toward self-medications with OTC drugs. Results revealed that the mean age of elderly was 65.5± 7.98, moreover, 72 % of elderly practiced self-medication with OTC drugs and without physician prescription due to financial constraints (55%), or previous past experience of treating similar ailment (44%). Additionally, 55% of elderly mentioned that sources of information about self- medication were pharmacy personnel followed by family member (36%). Commonly used medications were antibiotics (63%) followed by cold medication (48%) and analgesics (46%). There was a significant statistical correlation between frequency of self- medication with OTC drugs practice and age of elderly at χ2 (p) = 34.61 (.004*). There were also significant statistical correlations between practice of self-medication with OTC drugs and level of elderly education at χ2 (p) = 7.50 (.004*), and with self- rated health at χ2 (p) = 7.30(.005*), and with attitude level at χ2 (p) =7.09(.000*). Conclusion: self-medication practice was found to be an alarmingly frequent health problem which may predispose the studied elderly to many untoward effects. Recommendations: The study recommends raising awareness among elderly regarding the importance of professional consultation before medication use, the potential side effects and complications of irresponsible self-medication use and the importance of vigilant medication use.
