Affiliation:
1. University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Science, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Aim. The use of over-the-counter (OTC) medication is widespread
among the adult and student populations in Slovenia. The aim of the study was
to analyse the prevalence of OTC medicines use among nursing students with
respect to sociodemographic characteristics. Methods. A total of 241 nursing
students in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ljubljana, were included in the
cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was created for the purposes of the
study. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20. Descriptive
statistics, t-test and the contingency coefficient were calculated.
Statistical significance was set at the p-value of < 0.05. Results. The study
showed that the use of prescription drugs was significantly higher in women
(p = 0.029), students living in rural areas (p = 0.005) and students who
described themselves as being of bad health (p = 0.008). At the same time, a
third of the respondents had been taking one OTC medicine within the last
month; those taking several prescription drugs commonly administered several
over-the-counter medicines (p = 0.027). Women used OTC medicines to treat
pain and fever (p = 0.001), respiratory issues (p = 0.015), and fungal
infections (p < 0.000) more often than men. OTC medicines were also used to
treat minor mental health issues by a higher proportion of respondents over
21 years of age (p = 0.005) and women (p < 0.000), while over-the-counter
medicines for treating skin conditions were more frequently used in rural
areas (p = 0.006). Conclusion. Nursing students tend to use OTC medicines on
their own accord, receiving instructions for safe use with their purchase,
which points to adequate promotion of safe use of medications in Slovenia.
Men's assessment of their personal health tends to be better than that of
women, who also use medication more frequently. A connection between poor
health and a higher incidence of the use of OTC medicines was established.
The use of OTC medicines to treat minor mental health issues increased with
age and was more typical of women. The results obtained demonstrate the
importance of personal control over the safe use of medicines, motivation for
personal good health and a healthy lifestyle.
Publisher
National Library of Serbia
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),General Medicine
Cited by
1 articles.
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