Knowledge, Beliefs and Behaviours Regarding the Adverse Effects of Medicines in an Omani Population Cross-sectional survey
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2015, Vol 15, Issue 2
Abstract
Objectives: Tis study aimed to assess the knowledge, beliefs and behaviours of an Omani population with regards to the adverse effects of medicines. Methods: Tis cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and June 2012. A 17-item questionnaire was designed to assess three aspects: knowledge, beliefs and behaviours related to medicine safety. A total of 740 questionnaires were distributed in three representative governorates of Oman. Median total scores for the three sections were estimated. Associations with participants’ demographic variables and medication histories were also assessed. Results: A total of 618 participants completed the survey (response rate: 83.5%). Many participants (46.4%) believed that side-effects occurred only with high doses of medication and over 30% believed that they did not occur at all with traditional and over-the-counter medicines. Te median total score was 19 (interquartile range: 6) out of a maximum of 30. Inadequate knowledge, incorrect beliefs and good behaviours were observed among the participants. Tere was a signifcant association between certain demographic parameters (age, educational qualifcation, history of chronic use of medicines and employment status) and median total scores. Participants reported obtaining additional information on medication safety from various sources, with doctors as the most widely used source. Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge and incorrect beliefs among this Omani population indicate a need for interventions to improve public knowledge and address misconceptions regarding medication safety. Tese interventions could be initiated on both an individual and public scale, with patient interactions by healthcare professionals and mass education activities targeting the larger population.
Authors and Affiliations
Jimmy Jose| School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy & Nursing, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman, Beena Jimmy| School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy & Nursing, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman, Moza N. S. Al-Mamari| School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy & Nursing, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman, Turaiya S. N. Al-Hadrami| School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy & Nursing, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman, Halima M. Al-Zadjali| School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy & Nursing, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
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