Societal knowledge, attitude, perception and practice on the use of over the counter (OTC) medicines / Nur Asmira Marzuki

Background: Self -medication can be defined as a health activity to treat oneself with or without drugs using information obtained from past health experiences, books, advices, software, websites, health advertising, radio or television programmed. Medicines for self-medication are often called non-prescription medications (NPMs) or 'over the counter' (OTC) and are available without a doctor's prescription through pharmacies. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 4 different fast food outlets in Teluk lntan, Perak. The questionnaire was categorized into five main sections; demographic data, general attitudes on the use of NPMs or OTC medicines, perception towards NPMs or OTC medicines, general knowledge about NPMs or OTC medicines and self-medication practice. The study was conducted between March 2013 to May 2013 and a total of 148 questionnaires were distributed directly to the respondents. Participation of the respondents were voluntary. Data collected were computed, coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Program (SPSS) version 20.0. Result: Almost two-third of the respondents 64.2% were female, within the aged of 20 to 29 years old age group 59.5% and half 51.4% were Malay. Almost two-third 61.5% were single respondents, 64.2% had a college/university/others qualification and 54.1 % not working. The medication most bought by the respondents are medicines indicated for headache 63.5% and cough and fever was 62.8%. Conclusion: In conclusion, there were at least one statistically significant difference in respondent's perception, their knowledge and respondent's self medication practice with the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. This indicated that NPMs or OTC medicines are an important part of the treatment of minor ailments and can be said to relieve the burden on the health care system.