Preferences and attitudes of older adults of Bialystok, Poland toward the use of over-the-counter drugs

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of the study was to assess preferences and attitudes toward the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs among residents of Bialystok aged 60 or older.Patients and methodsThe study included 170 people, inhabitants of Bialystok aged over 60: 85 students of the University of a Healthy Senior and the University of Psychogeriatric Prophylaxis, and 85 students of the University of the Third Age in Bialystok. The study made use of a diagnostic survey conducted via a questionnaire prepared by the authors.ResultsThe vast majority of respondents bought OTC drugs for own use. About one-third of the respondents from each analyzed group bought OTC drugs less often than once every 3 months. Over half of the respondents bought OTC drugs due to a cold. A majority of the respondents were of the opinion that OTC drugs should be sold only in pharmacies. Over 40% of seniors took 1 OTC drug regularly. Most respondents also took vitamins and supplements. The main sources of information on OTC drugs for the studied seniors were their doctor and pharmacist. Respondents did not always consult the treatment method with a doctor or pharmacist. Over half of the respondents familiarized themselves with the contents of the OTC drug package leaflet. Over three-quarters of the respondents were familiar with drug disposal methods; however, despite declarations of being familiar with these principles, a significant percentage did not bring back medication to a pharmacy or clinic, or threw the drugs into the trash.ConclusionOur study found that in our sample there were many OTC drug consumers who did not always demonstrate responsible attitudes toward using this group of drugs. Thus, older people should be educated on the possible adverse effects of taking OTC drugs without consulting a doctor or pharmacist as well as basic drug disposal principles. Furthermore, legislation should be introduced that will limit the wide availability of OTC drugs, particularly to the elderly; and thus, lower the costs of hospitalization and outpatient treatment of this age group. Also, a wider-reaching study should be conducted. It should include a larger group of elderly people as well as information on intake of prescribed medications in order to be able to determine the frequency of drug consumption in this population, as well as seniors’ preferences and attitudes in this regard.

Analysis of the Interventions of Medical Emergency Teams in Older Patients in Selected Polish Cities with County Status: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Older individuals are one of the groups with the highest rates of emergency department (ED) visits [2]. Challenges that impact ED care for this patient population include multiple morbidities, atypical symptoms, polypharmacy, and drug interactions, as well as misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications [3][4][5]. Additionally, older adults may present with functional disabilities, impaired cognition, and communication problems [6,7].…”

Ascorbic acid in urine still compromises urinalysis results

“…11 In another study on preferences and attitudes toward the use of OTC drugs, authors have concluded that many OTC drug consumers did not always demonstrate responsible attitudes toward using these preparations, including informing themselves on possible effects on human health in case of high doses. 17 In this study also, vitamins were the most commonly used OTC preparations. Importance of disclosing data on usage of OTC drugs in medical charts has been emphasized by other authors, whereas lack of information is associated with a risk of overlooking interactions with prescribed drugs, especially in elderly patients.…”

Analysis of spontaneous reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions for non-analgesic over-the-counter drugs from 2008 to 2017

“…Wawruch et al described that elderly patients who considered that the use of several drugs could increase the risk of ADRs were less probable to consider OTC drugs as safe [46]. Irresponsible use of OTC drugs in this age group was previously observed and the limitation of OTC drug availability to pharmacies only was proposed [47]. Use of OTC analgesics, which were excluded from this study, has been associated with increased ADR risk and our results reflect the need to use all OTC drugs with caution in the elderly population [48].…”