Factors Associated with Inappropriate Drug Dispensing and The Effects of Educational and Media Interventions in Grocery Stores in Phutthaisong District, Buriram Province

Abstract

Background: Grocery stores are highly accessible outlets for essential goods and some basic medicines. However, insufficient knowledge regarding appropriate drug dispensing may lead to inappropriate practices, directly impacting public health. This study aimed to investigate the underlying factors contributing to such practices and to identify strategies to mitigate inappropriate drug dispensing in grocery stores.

Objectives: To examine factors influencing inappropriate drug dispensing in grocery stores and to evaluate the effects of educational interventions and supporting media on reducing these practices.

Methods: This mixed-methods study was a quantitative and qualitative study from January 2024 to May 2025. It aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of inappropriate drug sales in local grocery stores and to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on improving responsible drug distribution practices. A total of 329 grocery stores were surveyed across selected areas, of which 100 were identified as engaging in inappropriate drug sales based on predefined criteria. From these, store owners were selected for in-depth interviews using simple random sampling, focusing on two subdistricts—Hai Sok and Ban Waeng—in Phutthaisong District, Buriram Province, Thailand. The research was conducted in five sequential phases. Phase 1 involved a comprehensive literature review, development of the research framework, and the design of data collection instruments. Phase 2 consisted of the initial data collection, carried out using validated instruments in collaboration with consumer protection officers at district-level. Phase 3 implemented a structured training programme aimed at enhancing knowledge and awareness among store owners regarding the safe use of health products and appropriate drug dispensing practices. Phase 4 involved a second round of data collection using the same instruments to assess post-intervention changes. Finally, Phase 5 focused on data validation, followed by statistical analysis to determine the effectiveness of the intervention and to explore key factors influencing inappropriate drug sales.

Results: The findings revealed that most participants were aged between 41 and 50 years (45%) and had attained secondary or diploma-level education (50%). A majority of stores were located within 1–5 km from the nearest primary health care unit or community hospital (67%). Monthly sales predominantly ranged between 10,001 and 20,000 THB, and most stores operated as retail outlets (91.00%). The principal source of medicines was licensed modern drugstores authorised to dispense prepackaged medicines, excluding dangerous or specially controlled drugs (Type 2), accounting for 45.00%. Analysis of the association between personal factors and inappropriate drug dispensing in grocery stores showed no statistically significant relationship (p>0.05). The primary factor contributing to inappropriate dispensing was the absence of prior training or guidance from health professionals regarding drug use (83.00%), followed by a lack of knowledge concerning adverse effects or potential risks associated with drugs (76.00%). Similarly, further analysis confirmed no significant relationship between other factors and inappropriate drug dispensing (p>0.05). Educational interventions combined with the use of educational media significantly reduced inappropriate dispensing practices (p<0.05). Specifically, sales of antibiotics decreased by 46.00%, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by 44.00%, and other hazardous medicines by 23.00%.

Conclusion: Providing education and educational media is an effective strategy to reduce inappropriate drug dispensing in grocery stores. Continuous training and community collaboration are essential to promote safe and lawful medicine distribution on a sustainable basis.