ABSTRACT
Background: Men who use erectile dysfunction medications for recreational purposes may be at increased risk of becoming psychologically dependent, which in turn could lead to psychogenic-based erectile dysfunction symptoms. Sildenafil has become one of the most commonly prescribed and abused drugs available today. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the utilization pattern and associated factors of sildenafil citrate among its users visiting community pharmacies in Gondar, Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 20, 2017 to May 10, 2017, among male clients who visited community pharmacies in Gondar town, North West Ethiopia. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect data from Sildenafil users older than 18 years, that started using the drug (Sildenafil) for at least 6 months before the data collection period. A regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between study variables, and a P-value of <0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. Results: A total of 65 men participated in the study. Of the total study participants, 33.8% were aged 25-34 years and about 40% of them had multiple sexual partners. The use of sildenafil for recreational purposes was 66.2% and was found to be higher than its use for medical purposes 33.8%. Use of the drug for <1-year duration (AOR = 34.086, 95% CI [2.90, 401.37]) and 2 years duration (AOR = 21.42: 95% CI [2.10, 218.82]) were significantly associated with its use for recreational purpose. Non-recreational use of sildenafil includes erectile problems associated with diabetes mellitus (27.1%), heart disease (9.2%), hyperlipidemia (4.2%), and relationship problems due to stress and poor communication (3.1%). Conclusion: Most men who use sildenafil citrate do so for recreational purposes, and use of sildenafil citrate for 2 years or less was associated with recreational use. There should be a collaborative effort among pharmacists, health professionals, and policymakers to improve the rational use of sildenafil.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Long-acting and permanent family planning methods (LAPMs) are modern contraceptive methods that can prevent pregnancy for greater than one year and include long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARCs) (Intrauterine device and subdermal implants), and permanent contraceptive methods (Tubal ligation and Vasectomy). The current study aimed to assess the utilization pattern of long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods and factors associated with their utilization in Lay-Armachiho district, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected by using an interview method and the collected data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Both binary logistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyze predictive variables with the utilization of contraceptives. A 95% confidence interval (CI) and a P-value of <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 460 women have participated in the study. The proportion of women that utilize long-acting and permanent contraceptives was found to be 65.4%. Educational statuses, residence, attitude towards long-acting contraceptives, discussion, and joint decision-making with their spouse were factors significantly associated with the utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that there is high utilization of LAPMs. Women's attitude, educational status, residency, frequent discussions, and a joint decision with their partners about LAPMs were significantly associated with the utilization of long-acting and permanent contraceptives. There is a significant impact of husbands (sexual partners) on the utilization and choice of contraceptive methods by women.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) medications is common among medicine and health science students. For safe use of OTC medications, students are expected to have proper knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards OTC medications and subsequent adverse drug reactions (ADRs). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess KAP of OTC medications use and related factors among medical and pharmacy students at the University of Gondar, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Chi-square analysis was conducted and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between KAP and OTC use and its related adverse effects. A P value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 380 students (229 medical students and 151 pharmacy students) participated in the study. The majority of the respondents 303 (79.7%) reported that they have the practice of self-medication. Fever 69 (80.2%), headache 21 (24.4%), and abdominal cramp 20 (23.3%) were the most common conditions for which the students go for self-medication while paracetamol 51 (59.3%) followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 44 (51.2%) were the most commonly used classes of drugs. An intention for time-saving caused by the waiting time due to crowds in medical consultation rooms 212 (77.4%) and a desire for quick relief 171 (62.4%) were the main reasons for the self-medication practice with OTC medications. CONCLUSION: Self-medication is widely practiced among medical and pharmacy students. Significant problems and malpractices were identified, such as sharing of OTC medications, the use of expired medicines, doubling the dose of medications when they were ineffective, storage of OTC medications, and not reading labels and expiry dates.
