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Self-medication among Hong Kong Chinese
C L Lam1, M G Catarivas, C Munro
1General Practice Unit, University of Hong Kong.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Self-medication is a widespread practice in Hong Kong, with 32.5% of residents using it. Many users, especially those with illnesses, frequently use multiple medications, often without full knowledge of potential side effects.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
- Sociology
Background:
- Self-medication is a common health practice globally.
- Understanding self-medication patterns in diverse populations is crucial for public health.
- Specific cultural contexts, like Hong Kong Chinese, warrant focused investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-medication among Hong Kong Chinese.
- To identify patterns of medication use, reasons for self-treatment, and perceived effectiveness.
- To assess knowledge of side effects and explore the use of traditional Chinese medicines and tonics.
Main Methods:
- A randomized telephone survey was conducted.
- Data collected from 1068 Chinese residents in Hong Kong between October 1989 and April 1990.
- Survey focused on self-medication practices within the preceding two weeks.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of self-medication was 32.5% within a two-week period.
- Ill individuals were more likely to self-medicate and use multiple medications.
- Chinese tonics were frequently used but poorly understood; Chinese and Western medicines were used equally for self-treatment. Perceived effectiveness varied, and 6.4% reported side effects, with over 96% lacking knowledge of them.
Conclusions:
- Self-medication is a prevalent behavior among Hong Kong Chinese, often involving multiple drugs.
- A significant knowledge gap exists regarding medication side effects, particularly for Chinese tonics.
- Further research and regulation are needed for Chinese tonics due to their popularity and lack of user knowledge.