Evaluation of drug use behaviors of patients visiting a community pharmacy

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate drug use behaviors and knowledge, as well as adherence to drug treatment of patients visiting a community pharmacy, in order to estimate the factors preventing them from obtaining the highest benefit from their drugs. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 101 patients visiting the Gündoğdu Pharmacy in Gaziosmanpaşa, Istanbul during the two-month study period. Demographic data of the patients, as well as data regarding drug use behaviors and knowledge on drugs use were recorded. Adherence of the patients was assessed by the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Results: Mean age of the patients was 35,07 ± 12,43 years. Only 6,9% of the patients showed high adherence to their treatment. 77,2% of the patients stated that they read 'Directions of Use' of the medications; 69,3% of them stated that it was wrong that antibiotic use could be terminated by the patient when symptoms such as fever or sore throat improved. 81,2% of the patients stated that they trusted their pharmacists on provision of counseling on drugs. Conclusion: The pharmacists could have positive impact on increasing the drug use knowledge of the patients via patient education and improve their drug use behaviors resulting in increased patient adherence. Keywords: Drug use attitude, drug use behavior, drug use knowledge, directions of use