The use of medicines in oman: public knowledge, attitudes and practices.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to identify the common problems of medicine use in Oman in order to improve the appropriate use of medicines. METHODS A cross-sectional, pilot-tested questionnaire was administered to 6,675 Omani patients or their carers on exit from primary health care centres. RESULTS 66% of respondents visited multiple facilities on the same date for the same complaint and 51% failed to go for follow up to the same facility. 39% did not accept non-drug therapy and 30% preferred prescription of 3 or more medicines per visit. Many failed to ask how or when to take the medicines, where to store them at home and did not mention any current therapies they were taking. A total of 70% stopped taking their medicines when symptoms disappeared; 26% were unaware that most medicines have side-effects and 61% did not realise that injections are the riskiest dosage form. A total of 54% had definite colour and taste preferences; 43% practised self-medication and 68% never consulted the dispenser; 36% chose medicines based on previous experience and 33% exchanged medicines with others; 55% stored all their medicines in a fridge and 17% did not check the expiry date; 45% threw unused medicines away; 41% kept them for future use and only 12% returned them to a pharmacy or health facility. CONCLUSIONS There is a widespread lack of knowledge about the appropriate use of medicines in Oman. Certain attitudes and beliefs can contribute to health risks and unnecessary expenditure. Many of these results could be improved by a well-targeted public education campaign.