Proportion of Khon Kaen University Fresh Man Who Has Basic Knowledge about Common Over-the-Counter Drug

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The uses of over-the-counter drugs are increasing in recent day. Improper drug uses in adolescent are increasing worldwide, which result in coming to hospital. This study aimed to investigate the proportion of Khon Kaen University freshmen who have basic knowledge about common over-the-counter (OTC) drug using, and factors that may influence the result of this study.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in 7,177 freshmen of Khon Kaen University as study population, with sample size of 400 people. A self-administered questionnaire and use Systematic sampling method. The data was analyzed by SPSS version 19.0 with descriptive statistic and inferential statistic including odds ratio, 95% confidence interval.

Results: The overall response rate was 85.9% (341/397) which was 65.1% of women and 47.8% was registered in faculty of social science.  11.6% (38/328) of sample size passed the basic test of OTC drug. Chlorpheniramine was the most well scored drug while Ponstan (not considered OTC drug) was the least scored drug. The possibly related factors that may influence knowledge of OTC drug were pervious knowledge obtain from non-specialist (OR  2.91 / 95%CI 1.16, 7.31) and from specialist (OR 2.67 / 95%CI 1.17, 6.07)

Conclusion:  11.6% (95%CI: 8.4, 15.7) of freshman in Khon Kaen university have basic knowledge about common OTC drugs. The factors that may associated to basic knowledge of household remedy is previous knowledge obtain from both non-specialist and specialist.