Prevalence and factors associated with self-medication for COVID-19 prevention using disproven drugs in Peru: a cross-sectional nationwide study

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with the use of drugs without evidence for the prevention of COVID-19 in Peruvians without symptoms or diagnosis, using the National Household Survey (ENAHO) 2021. Methods: A secondary analysis was made of the ENAHO 2021. We evaluated participants older than 18 years who did not undergo any test to diagnose COVID-19 and used any drug to prevent COVID-19. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated to determine the associated factors. Results: Among the 69,815 participants analyzed, the prevalence of taking a drug 4 weeks prior to the survey was 5.64%. Factors associated with drug consumption were: age 30-59 years (aPR 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32-1.65); having a higher education (aPR 1.73; 95% CI:1.28-2.33); having a chronic disease (aPR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.26-1.56); not having poverty status (aPR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.26-1.56); living in an urban area (aPR 1.61; 95% CI: 1.31-1.99). Meanwhile, living in the highlands (aPR 0.77; 95% CI: 0.60-0.97) and not having a landline, cell phone, television or internet at home (aPR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43-0.98) were protective factors from unnecessary drug consumption. Conclusion: It is concerning that even after one year of living with the pandemic and having refuted the utility of medications such as ivermectin and azithromycin, these drugs are still widely consumed by a sector of the population without symptoms or a diagnosis of COVID-19. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate and implement public health measures that address this problem, taking into account the associated factors to reduce this consumption (AU)

Over the Counter Pain Medications Used by Adults: A Need for Pharmacist Intervention.

BACKGROUND: The safety of pharmacotherapy for geriatric patients is an essential aspect of the demographic perspective in view of the increasing size of this population. Non-opioid analgesics (NOAs) are among the most popular and often overused over-the-counter medications (OTC). The reasons for drug abuse are common in the geriatric population: musculoskeletal disorders, colds, inflammation and pain of various origins. The popularity of self-medication and the ability to easily access OTC drugs outside the pharmacy creates the danger of their misuse and the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The survey included 142 respondents aged 50-90 years. The relationship between the prevalence of ADRs and the NOAs used, age, presence of chronic diseases, and place of purchasing and obtaining information about the mentioned drugs were evaluated. The results of the observations were statistically analyzed using Statistica 13.3. The most commonly used NOAs among the elderly included paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and ibuprofen. Patients consumed the medications for intractable headaches, toothaches, fevers, colds and joint disorders. Respondents indicated the pharmacy as the main location for purchasing medications, and the physician as the source of information for selecting the therapy. ADRs were reported most frequently to the physician, and less frequently to the pharmacist and nurse. More than one-third of respondents indicated that the physician during the consultation did not take a medical history and did not ask about concomitant diseases. It is necessary to extend pharmaceutical care to geriatric patients that includes advice on adverse drug reactions, especially drug interactions. Due to the popularity of self-medication, and the availability of NOAs, long-term measures should be taken to increase the role of pharmacists in providing effective, safe health care to seniors. We are targeting pharmacists with this survey to draw attention to the problem of the prevalence of selling NOAs to geriatric patients. Pharmacists should educate seniors about the possibility of ADRs and approach patients with polypragmasy and polypharmacy with caution. Pharmaceutical care is an essential aspect in the treatment of geriatric patients, which can contribute to better results in their existing treatment and increase the safety of medication intake. Therefore, it is important to improve the development of pharmaceutical care in Poland in order to enhance patient outcomes.

Antecedents and outcomes of work-family conflict: A mega-meta path analysis.

This study examines the mediating role of work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict between the Big Five personality traits and mental health thereby enhancing theoretical development based upon empirical evidence. Integrating Conservation of Resources theory with the self-medication hypothesis, we conducted a mega-meta analytic path analysis examining the relationships among employees' Big Five traits, work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict, anxiety and depression, and substance use. We produced a ten-by-ten synthetic correlation matrix from existing meta-analytic bivariate relationships to test our sequential mediation model. Results from our path analysis model showed that agreeableness and conscientiousness predicted substance use via mediated paths through both work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict and sequentially through depression as well as through family-to-work conflict followed by anxiety. Extroversion and openness-to-experience had relatively weaker influences on substance use through work-to-family conflict, anxiety, and depression. Neuroticism was the strongest driver of the two forms of conflict, the two mental health conditions, and substance use. From this model it can be inferred that work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict may be generative mechanisms by which the impact of personality is transmitted to mental health outcomes and then to substance use when analyzed via a Conservation of Resources theory lens.

Assessment of without prescription antibiotic dispensing at community pharmacies in Hazara Division, Pakistan: A simulated client's study.

Antibiotics dispensing without a prescription is an irrational practice and can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance, which is a significant public health concern around the globe. This study was aimed to determine the extent to which antibiotics are supplied without prescription in the community pharmacies (CPs) at Hazara Division from November 2020 to February 2021. The simulated client method (SCM) was used, and the data were gathered, recorded, and analyzed through different statistical methods with descriptive and inferential techniques. The antibiotic dispensing was observed in CPs (90.5%), the most dispensed antibiotics were azithromycin (29.4%) and ciprofloxacin (46.5%) respectively. Furthermore, visited medical stores/ drug outlets, 9.5% of the visited stores denied dispensing of antibiotics because they preferred a referral to visit physicians (23. 9%) and (12.8%) did not had the antibiotics at the time of visits. Antibiotics were more obtainable in retail medical stores (AOR = 8.6, 95 percent Cl: 3.0-24.7; p = 0.001) than in pharmacies. In rural areas antibiotics dispensing was more (p = 0.004) as compared to urban areas. Staff members also had asked about patient's (17.7%) symptoms and drug allergies (12.3% and 3.9%), and (1.5%) they consoled them about their medications. The findings of this study indicate that nonprescription antibiotic sales are very common, despite national rules prohibiting this activity. When the simulated Client requested for any medication to relieve his or her discomfort, many antibiotics were given out without a prescription. Pharmacies/medical stores in Hazara Division selling antibiotics without a prescription are worrying and need immediate action by regulators.

Acesso da população a medicamentos durante a pandemia do novo coronavírus / Access of the population to medicines during the pandemic of the new coronavirus / Acceso de la poblacióna medicamentos durante la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus

Introdução:Em 2020 a Organização Mundial da Saúde declarou a pandemia do novo coronavírus. Diante desse cenário vários estudos começaram a ser realizados em busca de uma terapia eficaz para o manejo clínico dos pacientes. A Cloroquina e a Hidroxicloroquina foram os primeiros medicamentos testados. A divulgação dos resultados iniciais fez aumentar a procura desses medicamentos em farmácias e drogarias. Objetivo:Avaliar o acesso da população a medicamentos na pandemia e o uso das "promessas terapêuticas":Cloroquina, Hidroxicloroquina e Ivermectina para prevenção e tratamento da COVID-19. Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo descritivo exploratório de abordagem quantitativa, não probabilístico e por conveniência. A coleta de dados foi realizada online,via Google Formulários. Participaram 1.754 pessoas, resultando em 1.748 questionários válidos. A amostra foi distribuída em 3 grupos, de acordo com a pergunta de nº 11 do formulário de pesquisa: "Você já teve COVID-19?". Resultados:Dos 1.748 respondentes, 200 (11,4%) pertenciam ao grupo que "teve COVID-19", 1.041 (59,6%) ao grupo que não teve a doença, e 507 (29%) responderam não saber se foram infectados. No que diz respeito ao acesso a medicamentos na pandemia, 55,2% do total da amostra relatou não ter sido afetado, e 29% disseram ter tido o acesso afetado de alguma forma. Em relação ao uso das "promessas terapêuticas", 61% dos respondentes disse não ter feito uso com finalidade de prevenção, e sim para tratamento, já 52,6% da população do estudo disse que não fez uso de jeito nenhum, e 46,2% relatou que fez uso dos medicamentos mencionados para tratar a COVID-19. Conclusões:Constatou-se que a explosão na busca por medicamentos durante a pandemia não afetou o acesso da população. Além disso, a Cloroquina e a Hidroxicloroquina, não foram amplamente utilizadas para prevenção da doença (AU).

Introduction:In 2020the World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus pandemic. In view of this scenario, several studies began to be carried out in search of an effective therapy for the clinical management of patients. The release of initial results has increased demand for Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine in pharmacies and drugstores. Objective: To assess the population's access to medicines in the pandemic and the use of "therapeutic promises": Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Methodology:Exploratory descriptive study with a quantitative approach, non-probabilistic and for convenience. Data collection was performed online, via Google Forms. 1,754 people participated, resulting in 1,748 valid questionnaires. The sample was divided into 3 groups, according to question #11 of the survey form: "Have you ever had COVID-19?". Results:Of the 1,748 respondents, 200 (11.4%) belonged to the group that "had COVID-19", 1,041 (59.6%) to the group that did not have the disease, and 507 (29%) answered not knowing if they were infected. With regard to access to medicines in the pandemic, 55.2% of the total sample reported not being affected, and 29% said their access was affected in some way. Regarding the use of "therapeutic promises", 61% of respondents said they did not use it for prevention purposes, but for treatment, while 52.6% of the study population said they did not use it at all, and 46, 2% used the medications mentioned to treat COVID-19. Conclusions:It wasfound that the explosion in the search for medicines during the pandemic did not affect the population's access. Furthermore, Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine have not been widely used for disease prevention (AU).

Introducción:En 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud declaró la nueva pandemia de coronavirus. Ante este escenario, se comenzaron a realizar varios estudios en busca de una terapia eficaz para el manejo clínico de lospacientes. La publicación de los resultados iniciales ha aumentado la demanda de cloroquina e hidroxicloroquina en farmacias y droguerías. Objetivo:Evaluar el acceso de la población a medicamentos en la pandemia y el uso de "promesas terapéuticas": cloroquina, hidroxicloroquina e ivermectina para la prevención y tratamiento de COVID-19. Metodología:Se trata de un estudio descriptivo exploratorio con enfoque cuantitativo, no probabilístico y por conveniencia. La recopilación de datos se realizó en línea, a través de Google Forms. Participaron 1.754 personas, resultando 1.748 cuestionarios válidos. La muestra se dividió en 3 grupos, de acuerdo con la pregunta # 11 del formulario de la encuesta: "¿Alguna vez ha tenido COVID-19?". Resultados: De los 1.748 encuestados, 200 (11,4%) pertenecían al grupo que "tenía COVID-19", 1.041 (59,6%) al grupo que no tenía la enfermedad y 507 (29%) respondieron sin saber si estaban infectados. Con respecto al acceso a medicamentos en la pandemia, el 55,2% del total de la muestra informó no estar afectado y el 29% dijo que su acceso se vio afectado de alguna manera. Con respecto al uso de "promesas terapéuticas", el 61% de los encuestados dijo que no lo usaba con fines de prevención, sino de tratamiento, mientras que el 52,6% de la población del estudio dijo que no lo usaba en absoluto, y el 46,2% informó que utilizaron los medicamentos mencionados para tratar COVID-19. Conclusiones: Se encontró que la explosión en la búsqueda de medicamentos durante la pandemia no afectó el acceso de la población. Además, la cloroquina y la hidroxicloroquina no se han utilizado ampliamente para la prevención de enfermedades (AU).

Self-medication practices to prevent or manage COVID-19: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have assessed the prevalence and characteristics of self-medication in COVID-19. However, no systematic review has summarized their findings. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review to assess the prevalence of self-medication to prevent or manage COVID-19. METHODS: We used different keywords and searched studies published in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, two preprint repositories, Google, and Google Scholar. We included studies that reported original data and assessed self-medication to prevent or manage COVID-19. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) modified for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: We identified eight studies, all studies were cross-sectional, and only one detailed the question used to assess self-medication. The recall period was heterogeneous across studies. Of the eight studies, seven assessed self-medication without focusing on a specific symptom: four performed in the general population (self-medication prevalence ranged between <4% to 88.3%) and three in specific populations (range: 33.9% to 51.3%). In these seven studies, the most used medications varied widely, including antibiotics, chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, acetaminophen, vitamins or supplements, ivermectin, and ibuprofen. The last study only assessed self-medication for fever due to COVID-19. Most studies had a risk of bias in the "representativeness of the sample" and "assessment of outcome" items of the NOS. CONCLUSIONS: Studies that assessed self-medication for COVID-19 found heterogeneous results regarding self-medication prevalence and medications used. More well-designed and adequately reported studies are warranted to assess this topic.

Prevalence and factors associated with self medication with antibiotics among University students in Moshi Kilimanjaro Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Self medication is a common practice of using medicines without a medical supervision by the people themselves. Self medication is likely to happen when people feel unwell, it is worse in the population with poor helth seeking behavior. Therefore it is important to assess the prevalence and factors associated with self medication with antibiotics among University students in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Tanzania. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from April-August 2019 at two Universities in Moshi, including one medical and one non medical. The study population were undergraduate students aged 18 and above, A self-filled questionnaire was used for data collection and data analyzed using the SPSS version 16 and association was tested using chi square. RESULTS: Out 374 students enrolled 187 from each University, 126 were female and 248 were male with age ranging from 19 to 35 years with mean age of 23.91 years. The prevalence of self medication with antibiotics was 57% and the most common used antibiotics was amoxicillin with prevalence of 32.08%. The common reported symptoms/diseases were headache (31.02%) followed by malaria and coughing with prevalence of 15.24% and 10.96% respectively. The commonest reasons of self medication reported to be emergency illness (38.77%) and delaying of hospital services (24.33%). The commonest effects reported among respondents which practiced self medication with antibiotics were worsening of the condition that they were suffering in (4.55%) and body rashes (2.67). There was no significant difference between self medication practices among medical and non medical students(p = 0.676). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self medication with antibiotics was high among University students and there is no significant difference in both medical and non medical students. The most feared outcome on self medication with antibiotics is antibiotic drug resistance which leads to treatment failure along with high financial costs and increase mortality rate following microbial infections.

Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and its related factors among Chinese residents: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Self-medication is one of the most common forms of inappropriate use of antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) in China and evaluate the related factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wuhan, Hubei, China from July 1, 2019 to July 31, 2019. Participants were recruited in public places to answer a structured questionnaire. The information of participants' social demographic characteristics, antibiotic knowledge and health beliefs were collected. Binary Logistics regression analysis was used to examine the associated factors of SMA. RESULTS: Of the 3206 participants, 10.32% reported SMA in the past 6 months. Participants who with middle or high perceived barriers to seek health care services showed a higher likelihood of SMA (P < 0.05). Participants who with middle or high perceived threats of self-medication, and who with middle or high self-efficacy to overcome obstacles showed a lower likelihood of SMA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with developed countries, the prevalence of SMA in China is still higher. Measures to conduct public health education and improve the accessibility of health services are crucial to decrease the overall self-medication rate in China.

Prevalence of pain, analgesic self-medication and mental health in German pre-hospital emergency medical service personnel: a nationwide survey pilot-study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of pain, the extent of analgesics intake and the mental health status of German pre-hospital emergency medical service (EMS) personnel. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide online survey, which consisted of sociodemographic and job-related items, questions on pain and analgesics intake and the short-version of the validated Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21). RESULTS: A total of 774 EMS personnel with a mean age of 33.03 (standard error [SE] 0.37) years were included into the final analysis of which 23.77% were female. Pain was reported by 58.64% (454 of 774) of the study participants with 10.72% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.54%; 13.29%) suffering from chronic, 1.68% (95% CI 0.89%; 2.87%) from acute and 46.25% (95% CI 41.49%; 51.30%) from recurrent pain, respectively. Most frequent location of pain was lumbar spine. Analgesics were used by 52.76% (239 of 454) of pre-hospital EMS personnel with pain (acute 76.92% / chronic 69.88% / recurrent 47.90%). Moreover, participants with chronic and recurrent pain indicated significantly higher depression (p ≤ 0.001), anxiety (p ≤ 0.001), and stress (p ≤ 0.001) levels compared to those without pain, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study indicates a high prevalence of pain and analgesics usage in participating German pre-hospital EMS personnel and a poorer mental health in those with chronic and recurrent pain. Therefore, disease prevention and health promotion measures are needed to preserve health of pre-hospital EMS personnel.

Analgesic practices and predictors of use in South Africa-based runners.

BACKGROUND: The use of analgesics is prevalent in runners, with an associated potential for serious harm. More information is needed regarding runners' practices and the factors that may influence their use of analgesics, to identify potential sources of misuse or abuse. OBJECTIVES: To describe South Africa (SA)-based runners' practices regarding use of analgesics, focusing on the types used, sources of information, and factors predicting use. METHODS: This study had a descriptive, cross-sectional design. SA-based runners aged ≥18 years, who had run at least one race during the year preceding the study, were included. Participants were recruited via social media and SA running clubs. They completed an online survey that included demographic information, training and competition history, and analgesic usage practices. RESULTS: Data from 332 participants (196 females, 136 males) were analysed. There was a high rate of analgesic use (64%), with 17% of users reporting concomitant use of more than one type of analgesic. The highest rate of analgesic use was after a run (80%). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the most frequently used analgesics before (71%), during (50%) and after a run (74%). Importantly, NSAIDs and a combination NSAID-containing analgesic were the most common analgesics used concomitantly (19%). Most participants (90%) used over-the-counter analgesics, 41% of them receiving no input from any health professional. Sustaining a running-related injury increased the likelihood of analgesic use almost three-fold (Exp(B)=2.6; 95% confidence interval 1.59 - 2.41; p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A large percentage of runners in our study displayed unsafe practices regarding analgesic use during training and competition, predominantly for perceived injury management. Importantly, the lack of education and recommendations regarding analgesics from health professionals is very concerning, as there is a risk of potentially life-threatening analgesic-induced adverse effects, especially as a high percentage were using two NSAIDs concomitantly. Knowledge of these practices, gained through this study, could allow for the development and implementation of corrective strategies to promote education and safe practice of analgesic use in runners.

Self-medication Behavior with antibiotics: a national cross-sectional survey in Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic self-medication is common in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate the Sri Lankan public's knowledge about and attitudes toward antibiotic use and self-medication, and factors associated with self-medication. METHODS: A national cross-sectional, interviewer-administered, survey of a random household sample (N = 1100) was conducted. Factor analysis of the attitudinal items was conducted to investigate the factors associated with antibiotic self-medication. RESULTS: A response rate of ninety-one percent (n = 998) responded. Knowledge about antibiotics was poor (mean = 12.5; SD = 3.5; (scale 0-27)). Half had previously used an antibiotic once in the past three months. About 11% (108/998) had self-medicated the last time they took antibiotics; mostly obtained from a pharmacy (82%; 89/108). Three attitudinal factors were obtained, explaining 56.1% of the variance. Respondents were less likely to self-medicate if they did not support ease of access to antibiotics from pharmacies (p< 0.001) and situational use of antibiotics (p= 0.001); supported appropriate use of antibiotics (p= 0.003); and had greater knowledge about prescription requirements for antibiotics (p= 0.004). CONCLUSION: There is limited knowledge about, and a high rate of self-medication with antibiotics.Factors contributing to self-medication could be addressed with appropriate public education campaigns, and policy changes.

Realidades de la práctica de la automedicación en estudiantes de la Universidad del Magdalena / Realities of the practice of self-medication in students of the Magdalena University

La automedicación forma parte del autocuidado y es considerada como un recurso de salud pública primaria en el sistema de atención de la salud. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia y patrones de consumo que influyen en la automedicación de los estudiantes de la Universidad del Magdalena. MÉTODOS: El estudio corresponde a una investigación de carácter descriptivo, de corte transversal, y enfoque cuantitativo; la muestra se determinó por conglomerados, conformada por 312 estudiantes activos matriculados en pregrado de la Universidad del Magdalena de la ciudad de Santa Marta. RESULTADOS: La práctica de la automedicación se vio reflejado en un 97%; los motivos por los cuales se automedican los estudiantes tienen relación con la aparición de síntomas tales como el dolor y síntomas gripales, los cuales son tratados a partir del consumo de medicamentos tipo analgésicos, antiinflamatorios, con una prevalencia del 84,26%. El principal motivo para automedicarse se relaciona con la levedad de los sintomas; el consejo de familiares en un 46,87% refleja su fuente de información; existe influencia por la publicidad especialmente televisión e internet; finalmente el 71% tiene conocimiento de las consecuencias que acarrea el automedicarse. CONCLUSIONES: La práctica de la automedicación en la población universitaria es alta; los factores influyentes se relacionan con aparición de sintomas, el consejo de familiares, la influencia de la publicidad, la levedad de los sintomas y la falta de tiempo para visitar al médico

Self-medication is part f self-care and is considered as a primary public health resource in the health care system. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and consumption patterns that influence the automation of the students of the Universidad del Magdalena. METHODS: The study corresponds to a descriptive cross-sectional and quantitative approach investigation; the sample was determined by conglomerates, made up of 312 active students enrolled in undergraduate studies at the Universidad del Magdalena the city of the Santa Marta. RESULTS: The practice of self-medication was reflected in 97%; the reasons for which the students self-medicate are related to the appearance of symptoms stories, such as pain and flu-like symptoms, which are treated from the consumption at analgesic, anti-inflammatory drugs with prevalence of 84,26%.The main reason for self-medication is related to the mildness of the symptoms; the council of relatives in 46,87% reflects their source of information; there is influence by advertising especially television and internet; finally 71% are aware of the consequences of self-medication. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of self-medication in the University population is high; influencing factors are related to the appearance of symptoms the advice of relatives, the influence of advertising the mildness of symptoms and lack of the time to visit the doctor

[Pain management in cancer patients in a Tunisian hospital]. / La gestion de la douleur chez les patients atteints du cancer dans un hôpital tunisien.

Pain is a common symptom in cancer patients. It is subjective and difficult to communicate. It continues to be outsourced and often overlooked despite the existence of multiple recommendations. The objective of this study is to describe pain management in cancer patients in a Tunisian hospital. This is a prospective study, conducted over one month at the maternity centre of Monastir by an intern in pharmacy using a questionnaire. Of 128 patients assessed, 50 were algic. Twenty-six percent of algic patients were not treated. The neuropathic component of pain was present in 30 % of cases but under treatment. Relief opioids were prescribed in 43 % of cases to relieve pain. Paracetamol was prescribed in 26 % of cases. Ten percent of patients use paracetamol self-medication. Sixteen percent of patients have tried non-pharmacological means, of which 62 % consume plants. To optimise the management of pain at our centre, the available analgesic sheets have been developed, validated by the medical staff and disseminated in the departments of carcinology and oncohematology. Therapeutic education sessions were also scheduled to warn patients about the risks of self-medication and misuse of medicinal plants. Pain management is complex. It requires respect for international recommendations, but especially for the efforts made by all stakeholders.

Study of the risk factors of erectile dysfunction and phospho diestrase type 5 inhibitors usage among Egyptian population with erectile dysfunction: A cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the risk factors of erectile dysfunction (ED) and different patterns of phosphodiestrase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) usage among Egyptian patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One thousand five hundred consecutive Egyptian patients complaining of ED were included in this cross-sectional study from July (2014) to October (2015). Patients were requested to answer the international index of erectile function questionnaire (IIEF-5). Statistical differences between groups were tested using Chi square test and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient for qualitative variables. RESULTS: Remarkably, significant associations between IIEF scores and aging and diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and hyperlipidaemia were shown in the studied patients (p<.0001, p<.0001, p<.0001, p<.0001, p<.0001, respectively). Eventually, our study showed significant correlations between different age groups and morning erection and lower urinary tract symptoms and HTN and IHD and DM where the severity of ED was directly proportional to the absence or decreased strength of morning erection with aging and the increased incidence of LUTS and HTN and IHD and DM with aging (p<.0001; p=.001; p<.0001; p<.0001; p<.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that aging; DM, HTN and hyperlipidaemia are potential major risk factors of ED in Egypt for further validation. In addition, most of the participants used PDE5is without prior medical consultation together with concomitant administration of illicit drugs.

Attitudes towards and use of cannabis in New Zealand patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an exploratory study.

AIMS: We aimed to assess the use of and attitudes towards cannabis use (medicinal and recreational) by people with IBD in New Zealand. METHODS: People with IBD were invited to complete an anonymous online questionnaire. Participants were recruited via postal mail using a hospital database of patients with IBD (developed by the Gas-troenterology Department at Dunedin Public Hospital) and via online recruitment (advertised on the Crohn's and Colitis New Zealand website, Facebook page and e-mail list). Inclusion criteria were ages 18+ and self-reported confirmed IBD diagnosis. RESULTS: In total, 378 participants completed the questionnaire, with 334 eligible responses. Partici-pants were predominantly New Zealand European (84%) and female (71%). Sixty-one percent of re-spondents had CD and 34% UC. Overall, 51% of respondents reported having ever used cannabis. Of those, 63% reported use as recreational and 31% for reduction of IBD symptoms. Users were more likely to be younger (on average by 6.4 years), with on-going symptoms, unemployed or self-employed and current or ex-smokers. There were no differences by disease status or severity. Symp-toms most reported as improved by cannabis use were abdominal pain/cramping, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite. Fifty-four percent of participants reported that if cannabis were legal, they would request it for medicinal use to help manage their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our research aligns with previous observational research that reports im-provements in symptoms of IBD with cannabis use. Studies of a higher evidence level (eg, RCTs) would be needed to guide prescribing. In the meantime, this research provides useful background to clini-cians about patients' views and experiences.

Self-medication consultations in community pharmacy: an exploratory study on teams' performance, client-reported outcomes and satisfaction

BACKGROUND: Community pharmacy teams (CPTs) have an established role in assisting self-medication, contributing to the safe and effective use of non-prescription medicines. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to describe CPTs' performance in self-medication consultation, client-reported outcomes, and satisfaction. A secondary purpose was to develop an explanatory model for better understanding clients' satisfaction with this service. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional exploratory study. Data were collected in a purposive sample of pharmacy clients recruited in six community pharmacies in Portugal. CPTs adopted a structured approach to self-medication consultations, encompassing 11 quality criteria (five for case evaluation and six for counselling). An evaluation score, a counselling score and an overall quality score were estimated. Client-reported outcomes and satisfaction were ascertained via a follow-up telephone interview. Besides descriptive statistics, the association with several independent variables on the clients' overall satisfaction was explored, using linear regression. RESULTS: Product-based dispensing was more frequent for lower educated clients. Reported compliance with the criteria by CPTs was overall high (93.95% of maximum compliance), mostly missing the 'other medication' questioning. Most clients (93%) reported improvement after the consultation. Clients' satisfaction score was 4.70 out of 5. The variables that seem to better explain clients' overall satisfaction are pharmacy loyalty, the evaluation score, and the female gender. CONCLUSIONS: Clients' reported outcomes were favourable, as well as satisfaction with the service. Clients' satisfaction appears to be determined by consultation quality (evaluation score), suggesting the advancement of the pharmacists' clinical role. A larger study is warranted to confirm these findings

No disponible

Knowledge and behavior of consumers towards the non-prescription purchase of antibiotics: an insight from a qualitative study from New Delhi, India

BACKGROUND: In Low-and Middle-Income Countries, including India, consumers often purchase antibiotics over-the-counter (OTC) from retail pharmacies. This practice leads to the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community which is an important driver for the development of antimicrobial resistance. A better understanding of consumers' views towards this grave public health concern is critical to developing evidence-based intervention programs for awareness among the general population. OBJECTIVE: To explore knowledge, practice and, behavior of consumers towards antibiotics, antibiotic use, antimicrobial resistance, purchasing behavior of consumers for antibiotics, and to gain insight which will help in developing evidence-based policy interventions. METHODS: 72 in-depth consumer interviews were conducted in all 11 districts of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Our study found that retail pharmacies were the first point of consultation for common ailments for patients/consumers once home remedies failed; they were largely unaware of the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Consumers' knowledge of antibiotic use and about antimicrobial resistance was low, they used old prescriptions, and bought antibiotics OTC to save time and money. Despite the presence of regulations constituted to regulate the sale of antibiotics by the Government and the implementation of national campaigns, the practice of self-medication and behaviors such as OTC purchase, non-adherence to prescribed antibiotics was prevalent. Consumers perceive that antibiotics provide quick relief and accelerate the curing process and retail pharmacy shops try to protect their retail business interests by honoring old prescriptions and self-medication for antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of awareness and insufficient knowledge about what antibiotics are and issues such as antimicrobial resistance or antibiotic resistance resulted in misuse of antibiotics by consumers. Limited access to public healthcare and affordability of private healthcare are factors that contribute towards the self-medication/OTC purchase of antibiotics. The regular misuse of antibiotics through irrational use reinforces the need for strong enactment of strategies like continuous community awareness campaigns. Mitigation efforts should focus upon educating consumers continuously and sustainably for the understanding of antibiotic misuse, antimicrobial resistance, and promote better compliance with regulations

No disponible

Self-medication among pregnant women attending outpatients' clinics in northern Jordan-a cross-sectional study.

Self-medication can facilitate patients' access to medicinal products, save time, and reduce financial and health-care service use burden. On the other hand, irresponsible use of self-medications can result in adverse consequences. Self-medication is common among different demographic groups including pregnant women. In general, medicinal products might have harmful effects on mothers and baby. This study aimed to assess self-medication practices among pregnant women in the northern region of Jordan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women attending outpatient clinics in the northern region of Jordan. Self-medication practices among the target population were assessed using a survey questionnaire that was administered through interviewer-assisted mode. Data were collected between December 2019 and September 2020, and descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were applied. A total of 1,313 pregnant women were surveyed (response rate = 95.50%). Self-medication and the use of herbal remedies were practiced by 33.10% and 32.14% of the participant, respectively. Headaches and general pains were the most frequently reported conditions treated by self-medication practice with either conventional medicinal products or herbal remedies. The gravidity (≥4) and the gestational stage (≥28 weeks) were the predictors of self-medication practice. This study showed that self-medication was not widely practiced by pregnant women in the northern region of Jordan. Disease simplicity and previous history were the main motives for self-medicating. Efforts should be made by health-care providers to address pregnant women and educate them to increase their awareness about the unsafe use of medicines and the harmful effects on fetus.