JOURNAL OF ASIAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF PHARMACY - Volume 9, January - December 2020

Pages: 60-66

Date of Publication: 23-Dec-2020

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Exploration of the Public’s Perspectives on Medication Safety in Taiwan: A Cross-sectional Study

Author: Hsiu-Li Yang, Yen-Ming Huang, Fe-Lin Lin Wu, Li-Jung Huang, Li-Hua Wang, Chin-Ling Su, Li-Jiuan Shen

Category: Pharmacy

Abstract:

This cross-sectional study explored salient risk factors associated with medication adherence among the population in Taiwan. A 64-item questionnaire tapping into sociodemographic background, health status, health literacy, medication adherence, medical status, medication safety, and perceptions of medical care received was developed and administered to 226 adult participants. Results from the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that employment was associated with decreased medication adherence (β = –0.179, p = 0.013). Lack of patient-pharmacist communication and confusion about medication-related information hindered patients’ decision-making of medication use. To increase patients’ awareness of proper medication use, providing easy-to-read education materials of medication use is necessary. In addition, pharmacists are encouraged to tailor pharmaceutical care by addressing the barriers to medication use identified from this study.

Keywords: adherence, health literacy, pharmacist, medication, safety