KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE REGARDING OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) DRUGS MISUSE AMONG THE POPULATION IN SAUDI ARABIA
Abstract
Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are commonly used for self-medication, often leading to risks associated with misuse. In Saudi Arabia, rates of self-medication among the population are reported between 35% and 97.8%. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding OTC drug misuse among the Saudi Arabian population, providing insights relevant to public health and education. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 using an electronic survey that gathered data from 962 participants aged 18 and older across Saudi Arabia. The survey comprised 33 questions divided into four sections covering demographic information, knowledge about OTC drug safety, attitudes towards self-medication, and actual practices regarding drug use. Results: The mean age of participants was 34.5 years, with 65.7% being female. Approximately 58.2% engaged in self-medication, predicated more on personal judgment than professional advice. While 82.8% acknowledged that all medications could lead to side effects, 42.4% were unaware that self-medication might mask disease symptoms. The study revealed a significant skepticism toward the universal safety of OTC medications, with 64.9% expressing concerns. Notably, only 6.2% exhibited high adherence to recommended guidelines for OTC use, illustrating a pronounced gap in the practice versus knowledge. Conclusion: The findings indicate a high prevalence of self-medication and significant awareness of potential risks among Saudi Arabian individuals. Despite high levels of knowledge, poor adherence to safe practices was alarming, highlighting the urgent need for targeted educational initiatives to enhance understanding and responsible use of OTC drugs. This research underscores the necessity for public health interventions to address the gaps in knowledge and promote safer self-medication practices in the Saudi population.