ABSTRACT

Background

Self-medication of upper digestive symptoms is common in middle-income countries. The study aimed to investigate user’s knowledge, reasons for use, and utilization patterns of self-medication for gastric problems in Jordan (a middle-income country). Also it aimed to investigate herbal and antibiotics use for treatment of symptoms associated with gastric discomfort.

Methods

A cross-sectional validated survey was used. A sample of 2000 adults were targeted, 1545 participated in the study (response rate = 77.25%). Participants were recruited at different settings, in different areas of Amman. Data were collected between April and July 2017. SPSS for Windows version 16 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Heartburn was the main symptom for the perception of gastrointestinal problems (19.3%). Of the participants suffering heartburn (45%) substituted over the counter-medication for professional consultation. Substitution was less in participants with comorbidity, and history of upper gastrointestinal disorder. Some participants (43.8%) believed that herbs relieved the symptoms. Antibiotic consumption in relation to relieving gastrointestinal symptoms among university students was more in science and health colleges than others (p-value < .05).

Conclusion

Substitution of over-the-counter medication for professional consultation occurs in Jordan. Enforcing regulation and awareness regarding safe self-medication of over-the-counter medications is needed.

中文翻译：

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中等收入国家成人胃病的用户知识和自我用药；约旦

摘要

背景

上消化道症状的自我用药在中等收入国家很常见。该研究旨在调查约旦（中等收入国家）胃病患者自我用药的知识、使用原因和使用模式。它还旨在调查草药和抗生素用于治疗与胃部不适相关的症状。

方法

使用了横断面验证调查。以 2000 名成年人为目标样本，1545 人参与了研究（响应率 = 77.25%）。参与者是在安曼不同地区的不同环境中招募的。数据是在 2017 年 4 月至 7 月期间收集的。使用 SPSS for Windows 16 版进行统计分析。

结果

胃灼热是胃肠道问题的主要症状（19.3%）。在患有胃灼热的参与者（45%）中，他们用非处方药代替了专业咨询。有合并症和上消化道疾病病史的参与者的替代疗法较少。一些参与者（43.8%）认为草药可以缓解症状。与缓解胃肠道症状相关的抗生素消费在科学和健康学院中的比例高于其他学院（p值 < .05）。

结论

约旦出现了用非处方药替代专业咨询的情况。需要加强关于非处方药安全自我用药的监管和意识。