Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding medication splitting and crushing among the general public in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Splitting or crushing medications are used for dosage administration when a certain dose is not easily accessible. Understanding the splitting or crushing of medications is essential to guarantee safe medication administration since inappropriate handling might impact therapeutic efficacy, safety and patient outcomes.Objectives This study intends to examine the practices, attitudes and knowledge of the Jordanian population regarding the splitting/crushing of medications.Study design and setting This is a cross-sectional survey study conducted in Jordan between November 2022 and March 2023. The questionnaire tool was adapted from previous literature, and binary logistic regression analysis was used, to identify the predictors of participants’ knowledge concerning medication splitting/crushing.Participants A total of 1259 participants from the general public were involved, without restrictions on gender or age.Results Around 22.2% of participants confirmed that tablet splitting/crushing is a useful way to reduce medication costs. 67.0% reported that they are not sure whether tablets are suitable for splitting/crushing/crushing. 75.8% reported that they refer to package leaflet information to check whether tablets are suitable for splitting/crushing. 84.8% correctly believed that scored tablets can be split, while unscored tablets cannot. 72.0% identified correctly that not all types of tablets and capsules can be split/crushed or dissolved. The mean knowledge score of study participants was 2.7 (SD: 1.5) out of 6, which is equal to 45% of the maximum attainable score and reflects a weak level of knowledge about tablet crushing. Those who hold a bachelor’s degree and have an income level of JD500–JD1000 (which is equal to US$715–US$1428) were more likely to have knowledge about tablet crushing. Around 39.2% of the participants reported that they had split or crushed tablets to reach their desired dose, of which the vast majority (82.9%) were using scored tablets.Conclusion Understanding of tablet-splitting and crushing techniques ought to be enhanced while encouraging prescribing practices that stress safety and well-informed decision-making. Patients should actively seek reliable sources of information, have an awareness of which tablets can be safely divided and actively engage with healthcare experts to receive appropriate guidance.