Use of OTC medicines and dietary supplements by adult inhabitants of Kielce Region
Journal Title: Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu - Year 2015, Vol 21, Issue 2
Abstract
Introduction. During the last several years there has been a growth in consumption of so called over-the-counter drugs as well as of various dietary supplements. This is the consequence of marketing activities by pharmaceutical corporations and companies and, in particular, the omnipresent advertisement of such products. The issue of growing consumption of the OTC drugs calls for undertaking actions aimed at rationalization of the use of such medicaments. Aim. The purpose of the study was to identify the attitudes of adults from the Świętokrzyskie voivodeship towards the use of OTC drugs, related risks upon the consumption. Material and methods. The study was conducted between January and March 2014. In total, it comprised 277 adult inhabitants of the Świętokrzyskie region, of whom there were 163 women and 114 men. Results. The study participants indicated that they use OTC drugs and dietary supplements several times a year, which was the most frequent reply (25.27%). It is alarming that advertisement in the only source of information for 75% of the respondents. A significant majority of the people surveyed declared that they usually buy OTC drugs and dietary supplements in pharmacies (55.60%). What is interesting, opinions of the respondents varied as regards the reliability of information about OTC drugs and supplements provided in advertisements. Men were more critical in this respect than women. Conclusions. The conducted surveys reveal that the respondents fail to inform their doctors about the OTC drugs and supplements they use. Thus, they often take those medicaments along the ones prescribed by a doctor. Also, it is necessary to provide comprehensive instructions as regards the safe use of OTC drugs and supplements.
Authors and Affiliations
Monika Szpringer, Marzena Olędzka, Justyna Kosecka, Elżbieta Galińska, Jarosław Chmielewski, Magdalena Wawrzeńczyk, Bogumił Sobczyk
Keywords
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