Information and behaviors of patients applying to chest diseases outpatient clinic regarding rational use of drugs

Abstract

Rational Drug Use (RUD), which aims to use drugs, when necessary, in the appropriate amount and in an appropriate way, is required from the physician with the rational choice of drugs and prescribing; health policies cover a process that includes other individuals in the society, pharmacists, healthcare professionals and consists of many steps, from the conscious and correct consumption of drugs to the patient. In determining RUD, it is important to reveal the knowledge and behavioral characteristics of individuals at these stages. Irrational drug use is one of the major health problems in developing countries, including our country. In our study, it was aimed to evaluate the patient parameter in RUD. For this purpose, it was tried to determine the knowledge and behaviors of the patients who applied to Chest Diseases outpatient clinic for any reason. This descriptive study was carried out with 163 volunteers who applied to the 3rd Stage Health Institution Chest Diseases Policlinic due to any respiratory symptoms. The data were obtained by face-to-face descriptive questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 16 questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and their knowledge and behavior regarding drug use. The response rates and compliance with the RUD were evaluated. According to the analysis results, most of the patients were between the ages of 51-64 and primary school graduates (n = 71, 43.6%). The number of female patients was 80 (49.1%) and the number of male patients was 83 (50.9%), and the distribution of patients was found to be similar in terms of gender. 33.1% of the patients prescribed medication and kept them at home without being sick, thinking that it might be necessary, and most of these drugs were pain relievers (29.4%). Only 10.4% were taking medication or demanding a prescription from their doctor with the advice of their neighbors and / or relatives. 11.1% of them used antibiotics on their own, without being examined due to complaints such as flu, cold, and cold. In our study, the characteristics of knowledge and behavior in accordance with RUD were determined to the patient who applied to the chest diseases outpatient clinic. Rational drug use is very important in terms of preventing unnecessary national expense, side effects, adverse effects, and decreasing mortality and morbidity. In order to raise the awareness of individuals on drug use in the society; Health policy, healthcare professionals, media and educators have important responsibilities.