Table 2.
Respondents’ Knowledge About the Safety and Use of OTC Drugs
| Question | Response (n, %) |
|---|---|
| Use of herbal/natural products to improve memory and attention has no harmful consequences for the human body. | Yes (349, 75.4) |
| Long term use of OTC drugs can cause serious side effects | Yes (366, 79) |
| I read medication leaflet before using any medication | Yes (302, 65.2) |
| I Know that the drug I bought from the pharmacy needs a prescription from the physician | Yes (289, 62.4) |
| Over using Panadol extra is very safe during exam period | Yes (252, 54.4) |
| NSAID drugs (eg ibuprofen) may cause harm to your kidneys if they are misused. Also, NSAID drugs (ibuprofen) may cause stomach ulcer | Yes (411, 88.8) |
| I use OTC drugs because the disease is not dangerous | Yes (403, 87) |
| I use OTC drugs because I know how treat my self | Yes (395, 85.3) |
| I use OTC drugs because they are more convenient and easy to use | Yes (315, 68) |
| I use OTC drugs to save my time | Yes (371, 80.1) |
| I use OTC drugs because the cost of physician visit is too high | Yes (294, 63.5) |
| I use OTC drugs during exams to treat my headache | Yes, (399, 86.2) |
| OTC drugs are cheap and easily available in Saudi Arabia that is why all people use them | Yes (372, 80.3) |
| Advertising is the main cause that people use OTC | Yes (307, 66.3) |
| Because of the accessibility of OTC medications and my confidence in their safety, I use them heavily during the exam time. | Yes (351, 75.8) |
| During exam period many students may try medicines according to friend’s suggestion | Yes (277, 59.8) |
| Because of the pharmacist’s consultation, I feel more comfortable using OTC medications. | Yes (383, 82.7) |
| The sedative effect of antihistamines (flu medications) makes students misuse them during exams | Yes (418, 90.3) |