title: A survey on the knowledge, beliefs and behaviour of a general adult population in Malaysia with respect to the adverse effects of medicines.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to explore, in the Malaysian general population: knowledge and beliefs of the characteristics in general of medication-related side effects and side effects associated with different types of medicines; behaviour related to the safe use of drugs before and after taking a medication; and behaviour in the event of a medication-related side effect.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 24-item self-administered questionnaire was developed and used to survey the general public living or working in suburban Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Eight hundred questionnaires were distributed, face to face, by researchers using quota sampling. Respondents' knowledge, belief and behaviour were analysed and correlated with demographics, medical history and experience of side effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six hundred and ten respondents completed the questionnaire giving a response rate of 76.3%. The mean knowledge score for the respondents was 18.4±3.6 out of the maximum possible score of 26. Educational level and experience of side effect had an influence on the knowledge score obtained. Respondents had misconceptions regarding the safety of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) and over-the-counter medications. Medication history and previous experience with side effects had a significant influence on the higher behaviour score obtained.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The survey has shown moderate results with regard to the knowledge of public regarding safety of medications, and there was evidence of under-estimating the risk of medications, especially CAMs. The misconceptions among the public, and inappropriate behaviour on drug safety-related aspects, is a concern which needs to be addressed in the interventions designed.
authors: School of Pharmacy, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al Mouz, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. jimmy_jose2001@yahoo.com
authors: Jimmy
authors: J
authors: Jose
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Chong
authors: Tay Szu
authors: TS
authors: Lynn
authors: Goh Ee
authors: GE
authors: Jye
authors: Beena
authors: B
authors: Jimmy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations