Determination of Medication Use Habits of Adults Living in Rural Area

Abstract

Aim/Background: Determination of medication use habits of individuals living in rural areas with more limited access to health care is a priority in planning interventions. This study aimed to determine the medication use habits among adults living in rural area. Method: Descriptive study was carried out in a village in Izmir province and with a total of 61 adult individuals using at least one medication during last month. Data were collected making home visits to individuals and using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive analysis and chi-square test. Results: 32,8% of the participants were taking three or more drugs and the most commonly (68,9%) used type of drug was anti-hypertensive drugs. The frequency of using nonprescription medication was 27,9% and frequency of not using medication although with a doctor prescription was 18%. 62,3% of the participants had problems with drug use and individuals who used less medication had more problems in medication use (p <0,05). Conclusion: Majority of individuals living in rural areas had problems with medication use. It is recommended that risk groups should be regularly assessed, trained and monitored by primary care health workers.