Mok Chi Zen, Sellappans Renukha, Ee Loo Jason Siau
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya Selangor, Malaysia.
Int J Pharm Pract. 2021 Feb 10;29(1):29-36. doi: 10.1111/ijpp.12660.
Self-medication, while potentially beneficial, also brings certain risks such as inappropriate treatment and adverse effects. In this study, we determine the prevalence and perception towards self-medication among adults living in the Klang Valley, Malaysia.
This study was a cross-sectional study which sampled 562 respondents across the Klang Valley, Malaysia using a stratified quota sampling method and a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographic data, self-medication practices and perception towards self-medication. Perception towards self-medication was measured using 20 statements with a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential tests as well as factor analysis were used to analyse the data.
The overall prevalence of self-medication for minor ailments was 63.5%. Self-medication was practised to a similar degree regardless of respondent demographics. Respondents most frequently obtained their medicines for self-medication of minor ailments from pharmacies without consulting the pharmacist (68.6%), followed by using leftover medications at home (44.8%) and obtaining medicines from friends and family (16.0%). Factor analysis revealed that self-medication behaviour is driven by good perception towards self-medication in terms of efficacy, safety and convenience, as well as by previous personal or shared experiences.
The prevalence of self-medication is high among adults in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Adults who self-medicate view the consequences of self-medication in a positive light and may be influenced by previous personal or shared experiences. As certain risks with self-medication may be underestimated, efforts to educate the public while promoting a more proactive approach among healthcare professionals should be encouraged.
自我药疗虽可能有益，但也会带来某些风险，如治疗不当和不良反应。在本研究中，我们确定了马来西亚巴生谷地区成年人自我药疗的患病率及其认知情况。
本研究为横断面研究，采用分层配额抽样方法，通过自填式问卷对马来西亚巴生谷地区的562名受访者进行了抽样调查。问卷由三个部分组成：人口统计学数据、自我药疗行为及对自我药疗的认知。对自我药疗的认知通过20条陈述语句采用5级李克特量表进行测量。采用描述性和推断性检验以及因子分析对数据进行分析。
小病自我药疗的总体患病率为63.5%。无论受访者的人口统计学特征如何，自我药疗的程度相似。受访者治疗小病自我药疗时最常从药店获取药品而不咨询药剂师（68.6%），其次是使用家中剩余药品（44.8%）以及从朋友和家人处获取药品（16.0%）。因子分析显示，自我药疗行为受对自我药疗在疗效、安全性和便利性方面的良好认知以及既往个人或共同经历的驱动。
在马来西亚巴生谷地区的成年人中，自我药疗的患病率较高。自我药疗的成年人对自我药疗的后果持积极看法，且可能受到既往个人或共同经历的影响。由于自我药疗的某些风险可能被低估，应鼓励开展公众教育工作，同时促使医疗保健专业人员采取更积极主动的方法。
