A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Knowledge of Medicine Safety and Frequency of Reading Medication Leaflets and Its Predictors – Insights from Saudi Adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Aim: On the other hand, patient safety, is of the utmost importance, in addition to health care providers' counseling and advice, patient information leaflets (PILs) also have a significant impact on health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the Knowledge of medicine safety and Frequency of reading medication Leaflets and their predictors among the Saudi population in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted over three months in 2023 using online structured self-administered questionnaires, on the adults of Saudi Arabia, admitted to provide informed consent, aged ≥18 years, able to complete the questionnaires, being Saudi nationals, and currently living in the country. The data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27. Results: In this study, 23.6% (n=123) of respondents always read the PILs, while 14.6% (n=76) of them never read the PILs. In addition, 22.6% (n=118) of them find it difficult to understand the PILs. In this study, 53.9% of them revealed that ADRs are unexpected reactions after taking the normal dose and 15.4% of them do not know what ADRs are. The respondents gender (B= 0.164; SE=0.075; 95CI = 0.017-0.310; p = 0.029), Social status (B = 0.251; SE = 0.079; 95CI = 0.096-0.406; p = 0.002) and monthly income (B= 0.136; SE = 0.021; 95CI = 0.095-0.178; p < 0.001) was the predictor of reading PILs. Conclusion: In this study, two-thirds of participants took medication and knew why they were taking it. However, only a few of them took the medicine after seeing a doctor, suggesting self-medication practice. In addition, 22.1% of them find it difficult to understand the PILS, and a small number of them would rather read it. Highlighting the significance of seeking medical advice from healthcare professionals before using a medication.