METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study which sampled 562 respondents across the Klang Valley, Malaysia using a stratified quota sampling method and a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographic data, self-medication practices and perception towards self-medication. Perception towards self-medication was measured using 20 statements with a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential tests as well as factor analysis were used to analyse the data.
KEY FINDINGS: The overall prevalence of self-medication for minor ailments was 63.5%. Self-medication was practised to a similar degree regardless of respondent demographics. Respondents most frequently obtained their medicines for self-medication of minor ailments from pharmacies without consulting the pharmacist (68.6%), followed by using leftover medications at home (44.8%) and obtaining medicines from friends and family (16.0%). Factor analysis revealed that self-medication behaviour is driven by good perception towards self-medication in terms of efficacy, safety and convenience, as well as by previous personal or shared experiences.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self-medication is high among adults in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Adults who self-medicate view the consequences of self-medication in a positive light and may be influenced by previous personal or shared experiences. As certain risks with self-medication may be underestimated, efforts to educate the public while promoting a more proactive approach among healthcare professionals should be encouraged.
METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted using a telehealth services database in Malaysian community pharmacies. Consultation records from January 2019 to December 2021 were extracted using a data collection form. The study identified the service usage over time, demographic profiles of users and the most common diagnoses and prescribed medications. Diagnoses were classified using the International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision (ICD-10), and medications were classified using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) system.
RESULTS: The study included 835,826 telehealth service records, with 88.8% being assisted consultations with e-prescriptions and 11.2% direct consultations. The user population consisted of primarily Malaysians (96.9%), with a mean age of 50 ± 21 years. Both telehealth services saw an increase in unique users over the 3-year study period. There was a moderate correlation between active COVID-19 cases and monthly user count. Assisted consultations were more widely used than direct consultations.
CONCLUSION: This study found an increased usage of telehealth services and its potential to remain as a healthcare system feature in community pharmacies. Further investigation into the impact on medication safety, quality and healthcare delivery is warranted.