Poor knowledge of university students regarding paracetamol; a wakeup call for public healthcare practitioners

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) use of paracetamol has drastically increased over the past few decades. Its toxicity is the foremost cause of acute liver failure in the Western world, unfortunately such cases remain undocumented in underdeveloped country like Pakistan. So far very limited studies have been reported in Pakistan, which have tackled issues related to toxicity and knowledge among public regarding OTC medicines at the national level. We assessed the prevalence of self-medication, level of awareness and knowledge regarding OTC medicines (specifically paracetamol), 352 university students through structured interview method. Awareness was scored by a ranking questionnaire. Data was coded and statistically analyzed using SPSS© 21. The survey questionnaire covered the risk perception, prevalence of self-medication and practices regarding OTC medicine use among the university students. Our results offer an indirect assessment of the knowledge among our general population as well as an estimation of misuse related harmful impact of OTC medicines. Moreover, it point out a major knowledge gap, low risk perception and significant prevalence of self-medication with paracetamol among our population, illustrating an increased potential of its adverse effects through overuse or misuse. These finding reveal a substantial need for educational intervention around OTC medicines. Serves as an eye opener for healthcare practitioners who should be proactive in commencing health awareness programs as well as superintending the irrational OTC drug use among public.

Keywords

• paracetamol
• over-the-counter drugs
• adolescent knowledge
• self-medication
• public awareness
• side effects