title: Self-medication practices among adult population attending community pharmacies in Malaysia: an exploratory study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the prevalence of self-medication among adults in an urban setting and to identify any factors contributing to self-medication in relation to consumer characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was carried out in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study using a self administered questionnaire including adults above 21 years old as an exit survey was conducted in Kuala Lumpur.
  
  
  METHODS
  Number of medications taken in a day by participants, source of medication for the treatment of minor illnesses among participants, common illnesses chosen for self-medication by participants, and the sources of information of participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 314 participants, 62.7% had taken at least one medication in the past week without prescription and 62.7% believed that over the counter medicines were just as effective as those prescribed by doctors. 69.4% would seek a healthcare professional's advice before purchasing any medication and 86.9% would consult a pharmacist prior to buying medication from the pharmacy. Only 86% checked the expiry dates on medications and 54.5% reported keeping leftover medication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-medication practice is prevalent in Kuala Lumpur but some practice might be harmful. Education on appropriate use of self-medication need to be emphasized in order to ensure quality use of medicines.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Minden, Penang, Malaysia. azmihassali@usm.my
authors.forename: Mohamed Azmi
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hassali
authors.forename: Asrul Akmal
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Shafie
authors.forename: Harith
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Al-Qazaz
authors.forename: Jayabalan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tambyappa
authors.forename: Subish
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Palaian
authors.forename: Vidhya
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hariraj
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs