Self-medication practices among adult population attending community pharmacies in Malaysia: An exploratory study

Objective To assess the prevalence of selfmedication among adults in an urban setting and to identify any factors contributing to self-medication in relation to consumer characteristics. Setting The study was carried out in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study using a self administered questionnaire including adults above 21 years old as an exit survey was conducted in Kuala Lumpur. Main outcome measures Number of medications taken in a day by participants, source of medication for the treatment of minor illnesses among participants, common illnesses chosen for selfmedication by participants, and the sources of information of participants. Results Of 314 participants, 62.7% had taken at least one medication in the past week without prescription and 62.7% believed that over the counter medicines were just as effective as those prescribed by doctors. 69.4% would seek a healthcare professional's advice before purchasing any medication and 86.9% would consult a pharmacist prior to buying medication from the pharmacy. Only 86% checked the expiry dates on medications and 54.5% reported keeping leftover medication. Conclusions Self-medication practice is prevalent in Kuala Lumpur but some practice might be harmful. Education on appropriate use of self-medication need to be emphasized in order to ensure quality use of medicines.