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Medicine taking in Southampton: a second look
1Clinical Pharmacology Group, Southampton, UK.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Patient medicine use increased, with more respiratory drugs prescribed. While medicine disposal improved, awareness of potential side effects remains low, indicating a need for better patient education on medication safety.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
Background:
- A 1993 survey in Southampton assessed medicine-taking habits.
- Compared to a 1984 study, medicine consumption had risen, particularly for respiratory medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current medicine-taking patterns.
- To assess medicine storage and disposal practices.
- To investigate patient understanding of medication information and side effects.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire was sent to 756 adults in Southampton.
- Data on medicine prescription, storage, disposal, and leaflet receipt were collected.
- Results were compared with a previous survey conducted nine years earlier.
Main Results:
- 47% of respondents had been prescribed medicine in the past month.
- Medicine taking increased among men, and respiratory drug use significantly rose.
- A higher percentage of patients returned unused medicines (34% vs 17%).
- Most patients receiving information leaflets were satisfied, but awareness of side effects was poor (30%).
Conclusions:
- Despite increased medicine use and improved disposal habits, patient awareness of adverse effects is limited.
- Further research is needed to enhance patient education on medication safety and potential side effects.