European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

AN ASSESSMENT ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION ON THE USE OF SELECTED PHARMACIST-ONLY OTC MEDICINES AMONG SELECTED RESIDENTS IN SITIO WAWA, RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL

Rea Mae Detablan Mananghaya*, Rhuvie Anne Santos Barrera, Carl Justin Cetron Del Rosario,
Justin Ryan Cruz Kalaw, Paul Angelo Jolongbayan Mendeja, Larra Melissa Cruz Santos,
Cecilia D. Santiago, PhD Pharm, Ana Marie Rubenicia, MSPharm, Mylene S. Andal, MS Pharm

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, perception, and use of the 10 selected Pharmacist-Only OTC Medicines with safety and abuse issues, and their willingness to receive patient counseling prior to dispensing. The study took place at Sitio Wawa, San Rafael, Rodriquez, Rizal. A descriptive design was utilized in the study. Moreover, with the total population of 902, sample size was computed using Slovin’s formula after gathering the number of qualified residents with ages 18-59 years old. It resulted in 239 study participants. Participants selection was done through random sampling technique. Data was gathered with the use of survey questionnaires that was given to the respondents through the barangay health center. Data gathered was statistically treated with the use of frequency, weighted mean, tally/rank, and percentage. It was found in the study that respondents have average knowledge regarding POMs, with a score of 71.95%. In addition, respondents’ perception has a neutral score of 3.39, a result of their varying perceptions regarding the use of POMs. Furthermore, upon assessment on their use of 10 selected POMs, it was found that most of the respondents are correct in the usage and does not exceed the recommended dose and time frame. However, a number of respondents who were misusing POMs and were underdosed based on their responses. The survey results also show respondents’ trust among pharmacists, their willingness to receive patient counseling prior to POMs dispensing, and their high regards in complying to pharmacists’ advice.

Keywords: Assessment, Knowledge, Patient Counseling, Perception, Pharmacist-only OTC Medicine.