Abstract

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS AMONG RETAIL PHARMACIST IN ERODE DISTRICT, TAMILNADU - A CROSS-SECTIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY

*Dr. Subramaniam Kannan, R. Rajamurugan, V. Kalaiyarasan, B. Kaviya, R. Pugazhendhi and R. Vigneshwaran

ABSTRACT

Aim and Objective: Our study to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards OTC drugs dispensing among Retail Pharmacists. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using a validated list of questions was conducted among the Retail pharmacists over two months from August to September 2022. The survey had 12 questions on the attitudes, knowledge and practice of participants towards OTC drugs. Questionnaire was distributed to 89 Retail pharmacists situated in Erode and its surrounding areas. All the data were analyzed by using Microsoft excel sheet and applying descriptive statistics. Results: Responses were obtained from 89 pharmacists. Among the pharmacists, the majority of them were able to define OTC (91.01%). Only 68.53% of the pharmacists were aware of the fact that the drugs listed under schedule H can be sold only with a prescription. The majority (92.13%) of pharmacists agreed that pharmacists should periodically update their knowledge of OTC medications and their information. Almost (55.06%) of the pharmacists claimed that OTC drugs encourage self-medication among patients. A vast majority of the participants (93.26%) were concerned about the misuse of OTC. Only 89.89% claimed that they encourage patients to consult a physician for minor ailments. Conclusion: Retail Pharmacists should improve their Knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding OTC medications. It is recommended that there is a need for health education interventions such as pamphlets and awareness programmes about the hazards of misusing drugs targeting retail pharmacists.

Keywords: Retail pharmacist, Over the Counter drug, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice.