Evaluation of a community-based training to promote responsible self-medication in East Java, Indonesia†

Abstract

Community-based training provides a potential strategy to improve community knowledge of medications. Findings from this study should inform strategies for a broader uptake amongst local communities in Indonesia.

A pilot study of cadre training to promote responsible self‐medication in Indonesia: Which is better specific or general modules?

“…Each test included 15 questions; each question was scored ‘1’ (for wrong answer) ‘2’ (for can't tell) and ‘3’ (for correct answer), thus providing a total score ranging from 15 to 45. Similar tests have been used and validated in other studies (Setiadi et al., 2019). A short questionnaire obtained participant characteristics data were also included with the tests.…”

“…This present study has evaluated cadre training using five different types of modules (generic, indigestion, diarrhoea, cough and cold, and analgesic modules) which were developed based on the previous module (Setiadi et al., 2017, 2019). Although the pre‐/post‐test results in this present study could not be directly compared to those from the previous study since the tests had been modified (Setiadi et al., 2019), this study demonstrated the new modules’ capacity to improve knowledge towards OTC medications. This was achieved among CHC cadres in Surabaya Indonesia, particularly with the introduction of specific‐drug modules (total pre‐test score means versus total post‐test score means; all p < .001).…”

“…In addition to the importance of a well‐designed module with respect to knowledge gain, this present study highlighted that Surabayan communities have seen doctors as their primary source of self‐medication advice. A prior study in East Java reported that the majority of CHC cadres sought health professionals for self‐medication advice, yet the type of health professionals was not differentiated (Setiadi et al., 2019). This might reflect the need for Indonesian pharmacists to establish their roles in promoting responsible self‐medication.…”

“…Five training modules, including one general‐drugs module and four specific‐drugs modules (“indigestion drugs”, “cough and cold drugs”, “diarrhoea drugs” and”analgesics”), were drafted by the research team based on the evaluation feedback on the module used in the previous research (Setiadi et al., 2017, 2019); the four therapeutic areas chosen were among the most common minor illnesses treated in primary health facilities in East Java, Indonesia (Surabaya City Health Office, 2018). This was followed with an expert panel (consisting of four external experts ‐ two pharmacists in the area of pharmacy practice or community pharmacy, and two policy makers) to discuss and finalise the module contents.…”

“…The pilot training was then evaluated using focus group discussions with the pharmacist/pharmacy staff trainers. Some of the key findings from the discussions were the need to revise the current education modules in terms of its content and structure as well as the need to focus on the specific community needs (Setiadi et al., 2019). This present pilot study aimed to assess cadres’ knowledge gained after training with newly developed general as well as disease specific training modules.…”