A study of the five core competencies of correct medication use and the self-medication behavior of adults using cough syrup in New Taipei City

• Main Authors: Hsueh-yi Chen, 陳學漪
• Other Authors: Chia-min Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/95546792972173041150

碩士 === 南華大學 === 自然醫學研究所 === 101 === 　　Background and Purpose: The quantity of cough syrup has soared in recent years, which is also one of the severely drug abuse in Taiwan. However, in terms of cough syrup usage, no studies have been reported on the self-medication behavior among adults. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the self-medication behavior, medication cognition, perceived risk and attitude towards correct medication use of cough syrup among adults. The results of this study could be used as a reference for drug education to advocate and promote medication safety. 　 　　Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. Participants over the age of 20 were recruited from pharmacies in New Taipei City from February to March 2013. The number of participants totaled 313. The research tool used was a self-made questionnaire which consisted of five parts: basic data, five core competencies of correct medication use, cognition of cough syrup, perceived risk of cough syrup, and cough syrup-taking behavior. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and general linear model analysis were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. 　 　　Results: The five core competencies of correct medication use, the cognition of cough syrup, and the perceived risk of cold syrup showed significant correlation ( P＜0.001). In addition, results found that participants on cough syrup medication scored lower in the five core competencies of correct medication use, the perceived risk of cold syrup, and the cognition of cough syrup than those not on cough syrup medication. Furthermore, results also showed that the five core competencies of correct medication use, the cognition of cough syrup, and the perceived risk of cold syrup were influenced by the age and education levels of the participants. 　 　　Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the five core competencies of correct medication use have a significant positive correlation with the self-medication practices of participants, the cognition of cough syrup, and the perceived risk of cold syrup. However, it could also be affected by age and education levels. In participants on cough syrup medication, their knowledge on the uses and dosage of cough syrup are inadequate. Each community pharmacy should implement guidelines for the five core competencies of correct medication to enhance medication safety.