Self-medication practices among Malaysian older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic

Akkawi, Muhammad Eid and Elnaem, Mohamed Hassan and Nahas, Abdul Rahman Fata (2023) Self-medication practices among Malaysian older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic. Asian Journal of Gerontology & Geriatrics, 18 (1). pp. 15-20. ISSN 1819-1576

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Abstract

Objective. To assess the prevalence, patterns, and associated factors of self-medication among Malaysian older adults, and to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on self-medication. Methods: Between January and June 2021, Malaysian older adults aged ≥60 years were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess self-medication knowledge, perceptions, and practices before and during the pandemic. Results: Of 170 participants, 122 (71.8%) reported self medication. Common reasons for self-medication were a perception that the condition was minor and previous experience with the same problem. The main symptoms managed by self-medication were sore throat (56.9%), fever (56%), and headache (53.2%). The most commonly used medications were paracetamol (79.8%), analgesic patches (52.3%), and cough medications (47.7%). Most participants were unaware of possible drug-drug/drug-food interactions involving their medications. 33.6% of participants changed their self-medication practices during the pandemic; 65% of them consumed more vitamins and supplements to boost their health. Conclusion: Self-medication for minor ailments is prevalent among Malaysian older adults. Analgesics were the most commonly used medication. 33.6% of participants modified their self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic; 65% of them consumed more vitamins and supplements to boost their health.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Aged; COVID-19; Malaysia; Self medication
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC254 Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology (including Cancer) > RC952 Geriatrics R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Pharmacy Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Pharmacy Practice
Depositing User:	Dr. Muhammad Eid Akkawi
Date Deposited:	24 Jul 2023 11:12
Last Modified:	24 Jul 2023 11:14
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/105728

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