Medication knowledge to be improved in participants in community universities in Taiwan: Outcome of a nationwide community university program
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi
Journal Volume
114
Journal Issue
12
Pages
1267
Date Issued
2015-12
Author(s)
Abstract
Background/purpose: To assess knowledge improvement by the participants in a pharmacist-facilitated national community education program over a 4-month semester and to identify the educational needs of adults related to medications.
Methods: This was a single-group, pre- and post-program comparative study. From February 2005 to February 2006, 1983 community residents participating in the education program implemented at 57 community universities nationwide were included. A questionnaire consisting of 50 true/false questions was administered before and after the program to assess the participants' medication knowledge. Paired t test was used to analyze the pre- and post-program differences and generalized linear mixed models were applied to examine the demographic variables that might influence the background knowledge and outcome after adjusting for school effects.
Results: A total of 848 participants (42.8%) completed the pre-to-post questionnaire. Baseline medication knowledge was positively correlated with participants' education level and negatively correlated with age. Significant improvement (11.3%, p < 0.001) in medication knowledge was evident at the end of the program. The age and education level were significant determinants in the improvement of the pre-to-post program test score. The specific areas that required improvement most in the knowledge of the participants were: instructions on refill prescriptions, proper storage of medication, the health insurance system, drug use in special populations, and over-the-counter drugs.
Conclusion: This national program improved participants' medication knowledge over a 4-month period. Patient counseling focusing more on the knowledge deficiency identified in this study during patient care is recommended.
Subjects
Taiwan; health education; knowledge; pharmacist
Other Subjects
non prescription drug; adult; aged; Article; community; controlled study; drug therapy; education program; female; health insurance; human; knowledge; male; pharmacist; prescription; questionnaire; resident; Taiwan; university; comparative study; government; middle aged; patient education; pharmacy; regression analysis; statistics and numerical data; very elderly; young adult; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Government Programs; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Medication Knowledge; Pharmacies; Regression Analysis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Taiwan; Universities; Young Adult
Type
journal article