Erschienen in:
01.12.2008 | Shorter research report
Patient sources for drug information in Iran: A questionnaire-based survey
verfasst von:
Forouz Nader, Kazem Mousavizadeh, Pedram Ghafourifar
Erschienen in:
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
|
Ausgabe 6/2008
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Abstract
Objectives To identify sources used by patients to obtain drug-related information and to find which portion of patients study the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). Methods A cluster random sampling was used to select 19 community pharmacies in Shiraz, Iran, from 192 pharmacies registered by Food and Drug Office of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Using a questionnaire, an independent assessor surveyed outpatients immediately after their prescriptions were dispensed. Results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results Total of 671 patients were interviewed, of which 188 patients (28%) reported they received no information from pharmacists or physicians and 169 patients (25%) received their medications without prescription. Nearly half of the patients (46%) were informed on the frequency of use and dose of their medications. Very few patients (6%) were appropriately informed about the frequency of use, dosage, duration of treatment, and potential side effects, allergies and drug interactions. Patients with college education used PILs as a source of information more than those with lower education levels. Conclusion A significant portion of patients obtained medicines without a prescription. Only a few portion of patients in Shiraz received adequate drug information from their physician or pharmacist. A considerable portion of patients did not study PILs.