How the blind cope with problems of medicine utilization: a study in Bangkok, Thailand.
OBJECTIVE
This project is aimed at studying medicine utilization among blind people in Bangkok, Thailand.


METHODS
The study was designed as a cross-sectional descriptive research. The study group comprised visually impaired persons, aged at least 18 years, and living in Bangkok. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews in 2007.


RESULTS
The study included 86 people. The majority of the subjects were 31-50 years old (65%) and male (61%). During the two weeks before the interview, the most frequently used medicines were anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants (26%), followed by antipyretics. Most of the subjects received their medicines from drugstores. During the three months before the interview, 75% of the subjects received pharmacy information through various channels. The major source was drugstores, followed by radio. With regard to procurement of medication, 79% of the subjects went to hospitals and 57% acquired the medicines by themselves. Approximately 20% of the subjects received medicines with touchable-differentiated packaging. For purposes of self-medication, the subjects were able to differentiate types, doses, and durations of drug use based on memory. Regarding pharmaceutical services, 81% of the subjects required special services intended for the disabled, as well as further explanation of the medicine's use, including drug labeling.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the study results, most of the blind did not receive assistance regarding medicine use. Their use of medicine was based on memory, and they were in need of improved pharmaceutical services.
Riewpaiboon
Arthorn
A
Division of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. pyarp@mahidol.ac.th
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004348:Drug Labeling; D004349:Drug Packaging; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012651:Self Medication; D013785:Thailand; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents