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Over-the-Counter Medicine Attitudes and Knowledge among University and College Students in Brunei Darussalam: Findings from the First National Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Ishpa Shapiah Abdullah

    (PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei)

  • Li Ling Chaw

    (PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei)

  • David Koh

    (PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei)

  • Zahid Hussain

    (Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia)

  • Khang Wen Goh

    (Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia)

  • Asma A’tiyah Abdul Hamid

    (Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health, Bandar Seri Begawan BE3119, Brunei)

  • Long Chiau Ming

    (PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei)

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine is defined as safe and effective for the general public to use, without seeking therapy from a health professional. As primary social media and internet users, university and college students are more likely to be exposed to unverified sources of health information. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of students at institutions of higher learning in Brunei with regard to the safe use of OTC medicines. A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administered online questionnaire, adapted from the literature with additional information from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the educational resources in understanding OTC medicine for consumers. The questionnaire consisted of 4 sections: demographic information, knowledge of OTC medicines, attitudes, and practice. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. A total of 335 students returned a completed questionnaire. The students had a mean knowledge score of 7.1 out of 9, with more than half (53.4%) having good knowledge (knowledge score > 7), and only a small percentage (5.7%) with poor knowledge. Almost all of the students (99.7%) had a positive attitude toward OTC medicine use. Few of the students practiced improper habits in terms of OTC medicine use, such as not reading the instructions or taking more than the recommended dose. Awareness of proper OTC medicine use among students in institutions of higher learning is necessary to prevent the rise of inappropriate user practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Ishpa Shapiah Abdullah & Li Ling Chaw & David Koh & Zahid Hussain & Khang Wen Goh & Asma A’tiyah Abdul Hamid & Long Chiau Ming, 2022. "Over-the-Counter Medicine Attitudes and Knowledge among University and College Students in Brunei Darussalam: Findings from the First National Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:5:p:2658-:d:758094
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ola A. Mirdad & Ghada E. Esheba & Ahmed H. Mousa & Houriah Y. Nukaly & Yosra Z. Alhindi & Nahla H. Hariri & Nahla Ayoub & Safaa M. Alsanosi, 2023. "Over-the-Counter Medication Use among Parents in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-10, January.
    2. Faiqah Batrisyia Syaza Bahrin Dzulkharnain & Naeem Shafqat & Andi Hermansyah & Ching Siang Tan & David Koh & Khang Wen Goh & Long Chiau Ming, 2022. "Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards the Use of Over-the-Counter Medicines: An Online Survey among Bruneian Adults amid the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-14, July.
    3. Ziwei Zhang & Pu Ge & Mengyao Yan & Yuyao Niu & Diyue Liu & Ping Xiong & Qiyu Li & Jinzi Zhang & Wenli Yu & Xinying Sun & Zhizhong Liu & Yibo Wu, 2022. "Self-Medication Behaviors of Chinese Residents and Consideration Related to Drug Prices and Medical Insurance Reimbursement When Self-Medicating: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-19, October.

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