The Importance of Knowledge about Drugs

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 100 views

Introduction

Self-medication is a common practice among many people, where they treat themselves for mild diseases such as fever, coughing, flu, and pain without using a doctor's prescription. However, this practice is often faced with the problem of lack of knowledge about drugs and its appropriate use, which can cause treatment errors. This study aims to explore the level of knowledge and rationality in self-medication in three pharmacies in Medan Sunggal District.

Methodology

This research was conducted using a cross-sectional descriptive method. Data was collected through a questionnaire that had been validated from 350 respondents, who were selected in sequence from three pharmacies in Medan Sunggal District. The selection of respondents was carried out proportionally based on the population of each pharmacy. For data analysis, the Chi-Square and Fisher test is used with the help of Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 17 software.

Results

The results showed that the patient's knowledge level was divided into three categories: 22.6% were classified as bad, 48% were classified as moderate, and 29.4% were classified as good. Meanwhile, in the case of the use of self-medication drugs, it was noted that 26.3% included irrational use, while 73.7% used drugs rationally. The results of the analysis show that the level of patient knowledge is influenced by factors such as age, last education, and type of work. However, rationality in self-medication is not influenced by gender, last education, or the work of respondents.

Discussion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the majority of patients have a level of knowledge about self-medication with a percentage of 48%. On the other hand, the use of drugs in the practice of self-medication majority is classified as rational with a percentage of 73.7%. However, it is important for patients to increase knowledge about drugs and their use to avoid errors in treatment that can potentially endanger their health.

The Importance of Knowledge about Drugs

The importance of knowledge about drugs cannot be underestimated. Education regarding the use of the right drugs, including side effects and drug interactions, can help the community more safely self-medicate. Therefore, the involvement of pharmacies and health workers in providing accurate and useful information is very necessary. This initiative can be in the form of counseling, health brochures, or direct consultation at pharmacies, which will help increase public awareness about the importance of drug knowledge.

Conclusion

Thus, it is hoped that self-medication practices can be done in a more responsible and safe manner. The results of this study highlight the need for patients to increase their knowledge about drugs and their use. By doing so, patients can avoid errors in treatment that can potentially endanger their health. The involvement of pharmacies and health workers in providing accurate and useful information is crucial in promoting safe and responsible self-medication practices.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Patients should increase their knowledge about drugs and their use to avoid errors in treatment.
Pharmacies and health workers should provide accurate and useful information to patients about the use of drugs.
Counseling, health brochures, or direct consultation at pharmacies can be used to increase public awareness about the importance of drug knowledge.
Patients should be educated about the potential side effects and drug interactions of medications.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in three pharmacies in Medan Sunggal District, which may not be representative of the entire population.
The study used a cross-sectional descriptive method, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Conduct a more comprehensive study that includes a larger sample size and a more diverse population.
Use a more robust research design, such as a longitudinal study or a randomized controlled trial.
Investigate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing patient knowledge about drugs and their use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of knowledge about drugs in self-medication practices. The results of this study show that the majority of patients have a level of knowledge about self-medication with a percentage of 48%, while the use of drugs in the practice of self-medication majority is classified as rational with a percentage of 73.7%. However, it is essential for patients to increase their knowledge about drugs and their use to avoid errors in treatment that can potentially endanger their health. The involvement of pharmacies and health workers in providing accurate and useful information is crucial in promoting safe and responsible self-medication practices.

Q: What is patient self-medication?

A: Patient self-medication is the practice of treating oneself for mild diseases such as fever, coughing, flu, and pain without using a doctor's prescription.

Q: Why is patient self-medication a concern?

A: Patient self-medication can be a concern because it often involves a lack of knowledge about drugs and their appropriate use, which can lead to treatment errors.

Q: What are the risks associated with patient self-medication?

A: The risks associated with patient self-medication include treatment errors, adverse reactions, and interactions with other medications.

Q: How can patients ensure safe and responsible self-medication?

A: Patients can ensure safe and responsible self-medication by increasing their knowledge about drugs and their use, consulting with a healthcare professional, and following the recommended dosage and instructions.

Q: What role can pharmacies and health workers play in promoting safe and responsible self-medication?

A: Pharmacies and health workers can play a crucial role in promoting safe and responsible self-medication by providing accurate and useful information to patients, offering counseling and health brochures, and conducting direct consultations.

Q: What are some common mistakes patients make when self-medicating?

A: Some common mistakes patients make when self-medicating include:

Taking too much or too little medication
Not following the recommended dosage and instructions
Not consulting with a healthcare professional before taking medication
Not monitoring for side effects and interactions

Q: How can patients increase their knowledge about drugs and their use?

A: Patients can increase their knowledge about drugs and their use by:

Consulting with a healthcare professional
Reading health brochures and online resources
Attending health education programs and workshops
Asking questions and seeking clarification when unsure

Q: What are some resources available to patients who want to learn more about safe and responsible self-medication?

A: Some resources available to patients who want to learn more about safe and responsible self-medication include:

Health brochures and online resources provided by pharmacies and health organizations
Health education programs and workshops offered by healthcare professionals and community organizations
Online forums and support groups for patients who want to share their experiences and learn from others

Q: Can patient self-medication be beneficial in certain situations?

A: Yes, patient self-medication can be beneficial in certain situations, such as:

Treating minor ailments such as headaches or colds
Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
Taking medications as prescribed by a healthcare professional

Q: What are some tips for patients who want to self-medicate safely and responsibly?

A: Some tips for patients who want to self-medicate safely and responsibly include:

Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking medication
Follow the recommended dosage and instructions carefully
Monitor for side effects and interactions
Keep a record of medications taken and any side effects experienced

Q: What are some potential consequences of patient self-medication?

A: Some potential consequences of patient self-medication include:

Treatment errors
Adverse reactions
Interactions with other medications
Overuse or misuse of medications

Q: Can patient self-medication be prevented?

A: Yes, patient self-medication can be prevented by:

Increasing patient knowledge about drugs and their use
Providing accurate and useful information to patients
Offering counseling and health brochures
Conducting direct consultations with patients

Q: What are some potential solutions to the problem of patient self-medication?

A: Some potential solutions to the problem of patient self-medication include:

Improving patient education and awareness about drugs and their use
Increasing access to healthcare services and resources
Encouraging patients to consult with healthcare professionals before taking medication
Implementing policies and regulations to regulate the sale and use of medications.