Knowledge and Use of Over-the-counter Drugs in Italy: An Exploratory Survey-based Study in the General Population.
OTC
Over-the-counter drugs
demographic characteristics
drug diversion
drug misuse
survey
Journal
Current neuropharmacology
ISSN: 1875-6190
Titre abrégé: Curr Neuropharmacol
Pays: United Arab Emirates
ID NLM: 101157239
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
2023
2023
Historique:
received:
29
05
2022
revised:
29
06
2022
accepted:
12
07
2022
pubmed:
16
7
2022
medline:
4
2
2023
entrez:
15
7
2022
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
During the past decade, the misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines has become a global public health concern, especially among young people. In this study, we aimed to explore the OTC consumption and related misuse in Italy and identify the demographic characteristics of people/individuals involved in this phenomenon, understanding eventual risk factors. The study consisted of an anonymous online survey distributed by direct contact and via the Internet between June-November 2021 to the general population living in Italy. Descriptive statistics were reported, and binary regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for lifetime misuse of OTC. The University of Hertfordshire approved the study (aLMS/SF/UH/02951). The final sample size was composed of 717 respondents. The sample was mainly represented by female (69.3%) students (39.9%) in the 20-25 years age group (30.0%). Based on the survey responses, study participants were divided into two groups according to the presence/absence of OTC abuse/misuse (127 versus 590), which were compared for possible predictors of OTC diversion. Multivariate regression showed that OTC abuse/misuse was associated with the knowledge of the effects of OTC [odds ratio/OR = 2.711, 95%Confidence Interval/CI 1.794-4.097, p <0.001]. On the contrary, the educational level appeared to be a protective factor [OR = 0.695, 95%CI 0.58-0.94, p = 0.016]. Although, according to our data, the phenomenon of OTC abuse appeared to be limited, increasing attention is needed because of possible underestimation and high-risk outcomes. Preventive strategies, including simplified access to information, may play a key role in limiting OTC misuse.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
During the past decade, the misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines has become a global public health concern, especially among young people. In this study, we aimed to explore the OTC consumption and related misuse in Italy and identify the demographic characteristics of people/individuals involved in this phenomenon, understanding eventual risk factors.
METHODS
METHODS
The study consisted of an anonymous online survey distributed by direct contact and via the Internet between June-November 2021 to the general population living in Italy. Descriptive statistics were reported, and binary regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for lifetime misuse of OTC. The University of Hertfordshire approved the study (aLMS/SF/UH/02951).
RESULTS
RESULTS
The final sample size was composed of 717 respondents. The sample was mainly represented by female (69.3%) students (39.9%) in the 20-25 years age group (30.0%). Based on the survey responses, study participants were divided into two groups according to the presence/absence of OTC abuse/misuse (127 versus 590), which were compared for possible predictors of OTC diversion. Multivariate regression showed that OTC abuse/misuse was associated with the knowledge of the effects of OTC [odds ratio/OR = 2.711, 95%Confidence Interval/CI 1.794-4.097, p <0.001]. On the contrary, the educational level appeared to be a protective factor [OR = 0.695, 95%CI 0.58-0.94, p = 0.016].
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
Although, according to our data, the phenomenon of OTC abuse appeared to be limited, increasing attention is needed because of possible underestimation and high-risk outcomes. Preventive strategies, including simplified access to information, may play a key role in limiting OTC misuse.
Identifiants
pubmed: 35838215
pii: CN-EPUB-125080
doi: 10.2174/1570159X20666220714104231
pmc: PMC10193759
doi:
Substances chimiques
Nonprescription Drugs
0
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
133-141Informations de copyright
Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
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