Evaluation of drug information from carton boxes, leaflets and pharmacy personnel: situation analysis in Myanmar

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study assessed how Myanmar consumers received drug information from the drug products and dispensers of community pharmacies. Methods Content analysis was used to evaluate drug information attached to 3 drug categories of 30 drug samples, and simulated patient studies at 247 pharmacies of selected townships in Yangon region were performed. Descriptive statistics and independent t-test were used for data analysis. Key findings Among 30 proxy drug products, more than 80% provided information in English language both on the carton boxes and on leaflets. About 86.7% of leaflets were intended only for healthcare professional uses and not understandable for lay consumers. The simulated patient study found that overall drug information provided by dispensers was limited as confirmed by information providing mean score of 4.25 ± 2.06 out of a total of 18 points. Many other important information items such as drug name, concomitant drugs use, common side effects and when to stop taking medicine were rarely provided. None of the simulated patients received carton box or leaflet. Conclusions This study proved that Myanmar consumers did not receive enough drug information from both the products and dispensers, and thus the provision of understandable drug information for patients is required to improve patients’ safe use of medications.