Factors associated with rational drug use awareness of drug operating personnel in private drugstores at Chanthaburi province

Abstract

The purpose of this study: (1) to study the awareness of the rational drug use (RDU) among drug operating personnel in private drugstores at Chanthaburi province; (2) to study the factors (personal factor, knowledge of antibiotic use and the perception of information on RDU operations) that affect the awareness of RDU among drug operating personnel; and (3) to study problems and obstacles in the implementation of RDU in private drugstores. A total of 151 samples were recruited from the drug operating personnel in private drugstores. The tool used in the study is a self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using independent t-test and One-way ANOVA statistics. The results showed that 60.3% of drug operating personnel reported having a high level of awareness on RDU. The perception of RDU information of the drug operating personnel was a statistically significant factor affecting the awareness of RDU. Other factors did not affect awareness of RDU. Drug operating personnel are most concern on the potential risks related to prescribing practices including contraindications, precautions and drug interactions. The problems and obstacles are that the service recipients still lack of knowledge and understanding on drug use and have wrong attitude that antibiotics can cure every disease, as well as the drug operating personnel still lack of knowledge and cooperation in the rational use of drugs. The recommendations are that RDU should be promoted through various channels continuously and widely by emphasizing on the participation from all sectors, and the distribution of drugs must strictly comply with the law.