The Views of the Public on Making Decisions about over the Counter Medications and Their Attitudes towards Evidence of Effectiveness

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the public views on making decisions about over the counter drugs and their attitudes towards evidence of their effectiveness. Methodology: The present study includes gathering data from the public using a survey that was adapted from a previous study. This survey was translated from English to Arabic language and was converted to an online form using Google Forms and then the link was sent to be completed by the public. Results: The survey was completed by 102 respondents.   Most of the respondents agreed that the most important factors that influence their purchases of medications were the safety of the product (73.53%) and the efficacy of the drug (71.57). Most of the respondents agreed that the main methods of determining the effectiveness of the medication included the previous using of the drug (76.5%) and the physician recommendation to use it by a (75.5%). Only about 49.02% of them agreed that the majority of non-prescription medicines are supported by scientific evidence from drug trials to prove they are effective. Conclusion: This study highlighted positive views and attitudes toward the use of OTC drugs. It is important to increase the awareness of the public about how to use these drugs wisely.  Community pharmacists should play a crucial role in optimizing medication use and in patients counseling.