An Evaluation On The Practice, Perceptions And Knowledge On The Use Of Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) Among The Local Consumers In Penang, Malaysia
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Date
2016-06
Authors
Tan, Seak Fang
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Abstract
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is an over-the-counter medicine commonly used by the Malaysian consumers for self-medication of fever and pain. As increasing healthcare costs is one of the challenge to Malaysians, the self-medication practice is expected to increase. However, self-medication without proper information and knowledge could increase risk of acetaminophen poisoning. Indeed, acetaminophen poisoning is one of the social problems among the consumers in Malaysia. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the use of acetaminophen products among the consumers in Penang, Malaysia on the issues around their practices, perceptions and knowledge about such products. This study was divided into two parts. In part I of the study, a qualitative structured survey using a questionnaire was conducted among 400 consumers in Penang via convenient sampling. The second part of the study was a qualitative semi-structured interview conducted among fourteen consumers aged between 24 to 82 years old and living in Penang. Part I of the study revealed that acetaminophen products were popular and usually used for fever and common pain among consumers. About 24.8 % and 11.8 % of the consumers found to have over-consumed the recommended maximum daily dose of acetaminophen 500 mg and 650 mg tablets respectively. The majority of consumers perceived acetaminophen as a safe drug to use (69.1 %) and very effective for mild and moderate pain (81.8 %). Nevertheless, most of the consumers had lack of knowledge regarding dosage and precautions when consuming acetaminophen, and effects and signs of acetaminophen over-consumption. The part II study showed that the consumers had a positive attitude
towards the popularity, safety and efficacy of acetaminophen. However, they had difficulty in recognizing generic acetaminophen-containing products available in the market. Some consumers claimed that they will double the acetaminophen dose or take it more frequently if their conditions persisted. Besides, the product package label for certain acetaminophen products were not attractive and informative enough for the consumers. The consumers suggested that the Ministry of Health Malaysia should established educational tools on the proper use of acetaminophen. In conclusion, the consumers’ practices, perceptions and knowledge about use of acetaminophen need to be improved in order to ensure the quality use of acetaminophen containing products.
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Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is an over-the-counter medicine commonly used , by the Malaysian consumers for self-medication of fever and pain.