Consumer habits and interests regarding non-prescription medications in Hungary.
OBJECTIVE
Patients increasingly use over-the-counter medicines for self-treatment but such products can be misused and/or abused. The primary aim of the present study is to survey the relationship between pharmacists and self-medication, to give an overview of their opinions on advertisements of non-prescription drugs and to evaluate the knowledge of and familiarity with medicines held by individuals purchasing them for self-treatment.


METHODS
A marketing research study of non-prescription drugs in multiple pharmacies between March and July 2008 was conducted. A total of 2000 questionnaires were handed out, of which 1486 were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 13.0 software.


RESULTS
The majority of participants (72.5%) visited a community pharmacy at least once per month. Half of the respondents reported taking medications regularly. Forty per cent of those surveyed consult a qualified professional about their decision before buying non-prescription medications. Forty-four per cent of respondents reported asking pharmacists about the effects of non-prescription medications.


CONCLUSIONS
This survey revealed that the general public has a high level of awareness concerning the abuse potential of over-the-counter medicines. Health care professionals should seek to understand and respect patients' choices to assure optimal care. Pharmacists could be more proactive in the management of inappropriate over-the-counter drug use.
Major
Csilla
C
Institute of Administration of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. majorcsilla@invitel.hu
Vincze
Zoltán
Z
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs