Interpretation of drug label instructions: a study among four immigrants groups in the Netherlands

Koster, Ellen S.; Blom, Lyda; Winters, Nina A.; Hulten, Rolf P. van; Bouvy, Marcel L.

doi:10.1007/s11096-013-9873-x

Cited by 21 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Adequate health literacy skills are essential to understand the aim, expected (side) effects and specific instructions of drug treatment . In a previous study, we showed incorrect interpretation of commonly used drug label instructions among both immigrants and natives in the Netherlands, which might also be caused by limited health literacy skills …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 84%

“…1,8,9 In a previous study, we showed incorrect interpretation of commonly used drug label instructions among both immigrants and natives in the Netherlands, which might also be caused by limited health literacy skills. 10 Furthermore, studies have shown that patients with limited health literacy skills have poor selfmanagement knowledge, resulting in lower medication adherence, poor health outcomes and increased health costs for society. 11,12 These limited health literacy skills seem to be more prevalent among elderly, ethnic minority groups and people with a lower socioeconomic status (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Health literacy among pharmacy visitors in the Netherlands

Koster

Philbert

Bouvy

2015

Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 84%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health literacy among pharmacy visitors in the Netherlands

Koster

Philbert

Bouvy

2015

Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf

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“…In another study by the same group focusing on auxiliary labels, over 90% of the patients made errors in understanding label instructions, and patients with limited literacy skills and patients on multiple drug regimens were found to make more errors . In the Netherlands, Koster et al confirmed these findings in an immigrant population with poor knowledge of Dutch and found that the instruction to use prescriptions as needed and auxiliary labels are problematic: 40% of label instructions were understood correctly . In another study, they confirmed the association between low health literacy and problems with understanding prescription labels …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…10 In the Netherlands, Koster et al confirmed these findings in an immigrant population with poor knowledge of Dutch and found that the instruction to use prescriptions as needed and auxiliary labels are problematic: 40% of label instructions were understood correctly. 11 In another study, they confirmed the association between low health literacy and problems with understanding prescription labels. 12 There are several reasons that contribute to poor understanding of label instructions, including the design of the prescription label, lack of coherency in information, and the text of the dosing instructions itself.…”

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confidence: 82%

Nature and frequency of dosing instructions on prescription labels in primary care

Borgsteede¹,

Heringa

2019

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug

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Purpose To investigate the nature and frequency of dosing instructions and auxiliary labels on prescription labels in primary care. Methods A retrospective analysis of data on prescription labels of dispensed drugs extracted from the pharmacy information system of community pharmacies in the Netherlands. Dosing instructions were categorized into four types. Results Data were extracted from 123 community pharmacies. All drugs dispensed for a random sample of 10% of patients were selected. In the sample of 938 479 prescriptions, 96% had a predefined dosing instruction and 2995 different coded instructions were used. Ninety‐five percent of all instructions were covered by 354 coded instructions. Most prescriptions were coded with an instruction indicating once daily use (48.4%) or twice or more times daily use (23.8%) without specification of the time (eg, “1 tablet 1 time a day”). A general instruction (“use as directed”) was given for 7.0% of all prescriptions, and for 6.0%, the instruction was to use “as needed.” For most prescriptions (80.6%), one or more auxiliary labels were generated with the warning “may cause drowsiness” (17.9%) being the most frequent one. Conclusions A limited set of instructions covered the majority of the prescriptions. About a quarter of the prescription labels contained nonspecific dosing instructions for use multiple times a day, and 13.0% were general or “use as needed” instructions. These instructions can potentially be made more comprehensible by rewording and specification of the time of day.

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“…Globally, 50% of adults have been reported to have misunderstood medication instructions which could be the cause of not using medication as prescribed [2]. Muhammed, Jibril, and Dauda [3] recommend that patients should be encouraged to comply with their prescribed medications through educational and training programs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Interpretation of Prescribed Medication Instructions by Diabetes Mellitus Patients at a Selected Clinic in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Pilot Study

Ngoatle¹,

Mothiba²,

Themane³

2019

TOPHJ

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Background: Misinterpretation of medications instructions due to poor health literacy is common in diabetic patients, leading to suboptimal medication therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate patients’ interpretation of prescribed medication instructions at a selected Clinic in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: The study used a qualitative research approach. Non-Probability purposive sampling was used to select five participants for the study. Semi-structured interviews with a guide were used to collect data. Tesch’s steps for qualitative data analysis were adopted. Results: The study findings revealed inadequate explanation of instructions, poor health outcomes, lack of information related to poor health outcomes, lack of knowledge on using the medication correctly, and medication noncompliance. The findings imply that there is poor education regarding medication use by diabetic patients. Conclusion: The study indicated that diabetic patients have poor medication instructions comprehension such as an inadequate explanation of the medication instructions. Therefore, healthcare professionals must provide in-depth explanation of medication instructions to enhance comprehension.

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Interpretation of drug label instructions: a study among four immigrants groups in the Netherlands

Abstract: Incorrect interpretation of certain drug label instructions occurred among the majority of both immigrants and natives.

Cited by 21 publications

References 15 publications

Health literacy among pharmacy visitors in the Netherlands

Health literacy among pharmacy visitors in the Netherlands

Nature and frequency of dosing instructions on prescription labels in primary care

The Interpretation of Prescribed Medication Instructions by Diabetes Mellitus Patients at a Selected Clinic in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Pilot Study

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