Poor knowledge of university students regarding paracetamol; a wakeup call for public healthcare practitioners
نویسندگان
چکیده
Over-the-counter (OTC) use of paracetamol has drastically increased over the past few decades. Its toxicity is the foremost cause of acute liver failure in the Western world, unfortunately such cases remain undocumented in underdeveloped country like Pakistan. So far very limited studies have been reported in Pakistan, which have tackled issues related to toxicity and knowledge among public regarding OTC medicines at the national level. We assessed the prevalence of selfmedication, level of awareness and knowledge regarding OTC medicines (specifically paracetamol), 352 university students through structured interview method. Awareness was scored by a ranking questionnaire. Data was coded and statistically analyzed using SPSS© 21. The survey questionnaire covered the risk perception, prevalence of self-medication and practices regarding OTC medicine use among the university students. Our results offer an indirect assessment of the knowledge among our general population as well as an estimation of misuse related harmful impact of OTC medicines. Moreover, it point out a major knowledge gap, low risk perception and significant prevalence of self-medication with paracetamol among our population, illustrating an increased potential of its adverse effects through *Corresponding author: Fakhar ud Din, Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-eAzam University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan E-mail: [email protected]
منابع مشابه
Single Versus Multi-Faceted Implementation Strategies – Is There a Simple Answer to a Complex Question? A Response to Recent Commentaries and a Call to Action for Implementation Practitioners and Researchers
متن کامل
Maternal Knowledge on Postpartum Care in Healthcare Centers of Mashhad, Iran in 2013
Background & aim: During the postpartum period, women experience physiological changes, which can have negative impacts on their quality of life. Women’s knowledge regarding postpartum complications and care can help them successfully pass this critical period. The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal knowledge on postpartum care in healthcare centers of Mashhad, Iran in 2013. Methods:In ...
متن کاملParacetamol use, availability, and knowledge of toxicity among British and American adolescents.
Paracetamol is the commonest agent employed in self poisoning, however it is not clear whether adolescents possess insight into the serious complications associated with its misuse. Using a one page questionnaire, the availability, usage, and knowledge of toxicity of paracetamol among 1147 American and British adolescents was assessed. Although 90% of all students recognised that paracetamol co...
متن کاملThe No-Destination Ship of Priority-Setting in Healthcare: A Call for More Democracy
In dealing with scarcity of resources within healthcare systems, decision-makers inevitably have to make choices about which services to fund. Setting priorities represents a challenging task that requires systematic, explicit and transparent methodologies with focus on economic efficiency. In addition, the engagement of the general public in the process of decision-making has been regarded as ...
متن کاملSelf-medication in university students from the city of Rio Grande, Brazil
BACKGROUND Self-medication is the use of medication without prescription, orientation, or supervision of a physician or dentist. Self-medication might become a serious health problem. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication among first and last-year students enrolled in healthcare and non-healthcare programs. METHODS A cross-section...
متن کامل