Evaluation of the use of topic nasal decongestants in university students from health sciences courses

Abstract

Nasal decongestants in Brazil are available without prescription. They are one of the most requested medications in Brazil. The use of nasal decongestants, however, may lead to serious consequences. For this study, university students majoring in the health field were evaluated in terms of their profile regarding the use of nasal decongestants. Additionally, health sciences seniors were evaluated regarding their level of knowledge concerning the correct and proper use of nasal decongestants. Among the 71.8% of respondents who had already used topic nasal decongestants, 64.3% had used this medication for at least 15 days and 64.6% had started using it due to nasal obstruction. The gathered data indicate that the pharmacist was the main health professional reported as having provided patients with guidance on how to use this medication. A five-point Likert Type intensity scale (3.6 ± 0.08) shows that a regular level of knowledge has been observed among the students. Most of the students polled were concluded to incorrectly use topic nasal decongestants. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that the future health professionals are not well prepared to promote health education for patients concerning the rational use of nasal decongestants.<br>Os descongestionantes nasais representam um dos grupos de medicamentos mais procurados dentro da automedicação no Brasil e as consequências ocasionadas pelo uso prolongado podem ser graves. Neste estudo foi aplicado a universitários da área de saúde um instrumento de avaliação para coleta de informações relacionadas ao perfil do uso destes medicamentos e outro instrumento para os alunos do último ano destas áreas para avaliar o nível de conhecimentos sobre o uso racional e correto dos descongestionantes nasais. Dos acadêmicos entrevistados, 71,8% fazem ou já fizeram o uso de descongestionantes nasais tópicos e destes, 64,3% utilizaram o medicamento por menos de 15 dias; 64,6% iniciaram o uso do descongestionante devido à obstrução nasal. Os dados obtidos ainda mostraram o farmacêutico como principal profissional responsável pela orientação do uso do medicamento aos usuários. Foi observado nível de conhecimento regular por parte dos alunos, através da escala de intensidade de cinco pontos do tipo Likert (3,6 ± 0,08). Conclui-se pelo uso incorreto de descongestionantes nasais tópicos pela maioria dos entrevistados e que falta preparo aos futuros profissionais para correta educação aos pacientes

Pharmaceutical services and health promotion: how far have we gone and how are we faring? Scientific output in pharmaceutical studies

“…Education and counseling are important for changes in behavior and lifestyle, such as self-care, nutrition counseling, program of physical exercises and quitting smoking (Nichols-English, Poirier, 2000;Berdine, O'Neil, 2007;Sisson, Kuhn, 2009;Maffeo et al, 2009;Lenz et al, 2011). (2) Follow-up or monitoring in order to detect the patient's non-adherence, and to recognize possible side effects (O'Loughlin et al, 1999;Chandra, Malcolm, Fetters, 2003;Grant et al, 2003).…”

Intranasal drug delivery devices are a potential contamination source of airways

“…5 Nasal decongestants are among the most accessible and most frequently used treatments 6 and have high rates of self-medication in Brazil. 7,8 In general, they are widely sought due to their rapid efficiency in improving airflow through the nasal cavity 8 and generate a sense of well-being mainly in those individuals with a feeling of nasal congestion. 2,9 Usually this occurs in infections of the upper airways, as in allergic rhinitis, which affects about 29.6% of adolescents in Brazil.…”

“…Saline solutions, for example, have become popular as they are inexpensive, practical, and well-tolerated, although more studies are required. 8,17,18 On the other hand, from the microbiological point of view, it is believed that IDDDs may not be safe, especially since during drug or saline solution delivery in domestic environments, direct contact between the face of the IDDD and the nasal mucosa can occur, which risks contamination and/or recontamination in the individual. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary that the user be properly instructed in relation to maintaining hygiene with the IDDD making direct contact with the nasal mucosa.…”

<p>Nasal Spray Use Technique Among Patients Attending the Out-Patient Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital, Gandaki Province, Nepal</p>

“…3 Allergic rhinitis affects about 10-20% of the world population. 4 In Europe and the US, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was estimated to be 22%. 5,6 Management of AR is important for preventing potential complications.…”

“…Moreover, there is a lack of health professionals who could provide proper guidance to the user. 4 Because many mistakes are still being made by asthmatic patients during inhalation of lung medication, it is important to gain insight into current techniques used to administer INCS. It may be expected that the administration technique may affect the efficacy, the occurrence of AEs and compliance.…”