Performance of the Rational Drug Use Community Network with Participatory Action Research: A Case Study on Rational Use of Antibiotics and Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Abstract

Objective: To establish a network of rational drug use in community (RDU community) to promote rational drug use in Sai Noi Subdistrict, Bang Ban District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya through participatory action research (PAR). Methods: The study employed PAR to build a network of RDU community with 5 steps including observation, idea reflection, planning, implementation and exchange. The study assessed the performance of the network in a sample of 133 people in Sai Noi subdistrict by using a questionnaire to measure knowledge and attitudes towards the use of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NASIDs) before and after the implementation of the network for 8 months during March and October 2022. Results: The establishment of "RDU community" originated from the ideas of the community to resolve problems in using of antibiotics and NSAIDs. Forty village health volunteers (VHVs) in the network provided relevant information to 133 subjects. After completing the endeavors, mean knowledge on rational antibiotic use of the subjects increased from 5.68 ± 2.05 to 8.95 ± 1.34 (full score of 10: P<0.001), while mean knowledge on NSAIDs increased from 5.27 ± 2.49 to 9.02 ± 1.24 (full score 10: P<0.001). Comparison of the scores on each question of knowledge on the use of antibiotics and NSAIDs after training compared to those before training showed a statistically significant increase at the 0.05 level. After training, the proportion of subjects with correct answer in each question was more than 70%.  correct answers. Attitudes about rational drug use were improved. After the training, the number of samples who strongly agreed and strongly agreed on rational drug use increased. Attitudes towards rational drug use increased with a higher proportion of subjects with the answers “agree” or “strongly agree” with rational drug use after training. Conclusion: The RDU community network established by community members with VHVs as core teams, could enhance knowledge and attitudes towards rational drug use among target groups. Therefore, establishment of the network to promote sustainable rational drug use is encouraged.