Investigation of the relationship between the level of their knowledge and attitudes about these drugs and health literacy of patients using proton pump inhibitor

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the level of knowledge and attitudes of patients using proton pump inhibitors about these drugs and their health literacy. Materials and Methods: Our research is a cross-sectional descriptive study. 172 individuals who applied to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hafsa Sultan Hospital Gastroenterology outpatient clinic were included in the study. The research data were collected between 01.02.2021 and 01.05.2021. A 17-question survey prepared by examining the literature and the Adult Health Literacy Scale were used as data collection tools. Results: 69.8% of the participants included in the study are female, and 30.2% are male, and their average age is 48.14±12.78 (min:18, max:79). It was determined that 92.5% of the participants started using PPIs under the control of a physician, and 50.6% of them used PPIs for more than 12 months. The average the Adult Health Literacy Scale score of the participants was 13.84±4.3, and it was found to be significantly higher in individuals aged 40 years and younger, singles, and individuals with higher education levels (p<0.05). In our study, participants whom knew PPIs act by reducing acid secretion in the stomach, acting side effects such as headache, dizziness and diarrhea in short-term use, acting more serious side effects in long-term use, interacting with some drugs when used, and what to do when the dose to be taken is forgotten had significantly higher the Adult Health Literacy Scale mean scores than those who did not know. It was observed that individuals who stated that they used medication without consulting a doctor, those who did not read the medication instructions, and those who changed their medication dose without consulting a doctor had lower health literacy average scores. Conclusion: Participants' health literacy levels were found to be low. However, irrational drug use behaviors were also common. It has been observed that as individuals' health literacy levels increase, their level of knowledge about PPI increases and their attitudes towards PPI use change positively. Although the fact that the study is based on the statements of the patients may create a limitation, similar data are not available in the literature. As a result, individuals need to be informed about the rational use of PPIs and HL. Effective training and arrangements should be planned to raise awareness at the social level about these two concepts, which are also in interaction with each other. Key Words: Proton Pump Inhibitors, Health Literacy, Rational Use of Medicine