“Complex Simplicity”: Social Meanings of Paracetamol Usage within Life Context among People in A Province in Central Region

Abstract

Objective: To study the set of experiences and meaning of paracetamol use from the perspective of people through sociological and anthropological views in order to expand the phenomena of paracetamol use outside medical boundaries. Methods: This qualitative study collected information from 43 informants. The study employed various methods for collecting the data including focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, and observations, over 7 months from July 2021 to January 2022. The data were categorized and content analysis was conducted. The conclusion was drawn using thematic analysis. Results: People employed their set of experiences to determine how to use paracetamol leading to different patterns of uses including 1) paracetamol as a tool to manage life, 2) paracetamol as prevention of problems in life, 3) extension of paracetamol’s indications according to personal experiences, and 4) dose adjustment depending on immediate life context. Moreover, paracetamol was given meaning different from medical definition. It became a sign of commonality and familiarity. People associated its effectiveness with being cured, onset of action, numbers of tablets, frequency of drug taking, sources of drugs, price, advertisement and brand name. Conclusion: When paracetamol was in the hands of people, it transformed from an object for treating, easing and curing illnesses into cultural object being used for managing life depending on life context and experiences of individuals. Paracetamol hence is a common medicine with an underlying complexity.