Older individuals comprise a vulnerable group with limitations in acquiring and understanding drug safety information. However, this creates concerns because older adults are more likely to misuse medications and may have difficulties in understanding the adverse effects associated with the medications they choose to manage their symptoms with. Self-medication with OTC drugs can be an economical treatment choice furthermore, OTC drugs are legally accessible at pharmacies. Self-medication refers to individuals recognising their own symptoms, making a self-diagnosis, and choosing and using medications by themselves. Taking many types of medications can cause confusion, thereby leading to serious health consequences or even fatalities due to improper use. They are more vulnerable to adverse drug effects and are exposed to the risks associated with using multiple or inappropriate medications. Because of the increase in the older population and their chronic conditions, older adults have become the largest consumers of prescription and OTC drugs. They also tend to use non-prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve various symptoms without first obtaining advice from a clinician. More than half of older adults have three or more chronic diseases therefore, older adults attend clinics often and take prescribed medications. Furthermore, the prevalence of chronic diseases increases with age. They also experience changes in their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. Īgeing is accompanied by several physical and mental issues not experienced by younger individuals, such as a decline of physical and mental capabilities, including worsening sight and hearing, increased physical frailty, and difficulty adapting to rapid social changes. Households comprising only older adults require more socioeconomic attention to improve their healthcare as well as financial status for better quality of life. Moreover, the number of medications that older adults take by themselves has also increased. The number of older individuals and older couples living alone is also growing because of rapid changes in social structures. The World Health Organization estimates that the proportion of individuals older than 65 years in 2000 is expected to more than double by 2050. The ageing of the global population is a widespread phenomenon, and currently, it seems to be happening faster than in the past. To improve their medication usage habits, older adults should receive well-organised medication safety education. Conclusion: The KAP survey confirmed that knowledge about the safe use of medication positively affected older adults’ attitudes and practices. The results showed significant differences between knowledge and practice those who were educated on medication safety performed higher levels of safe practice than those who were not ( p < 0.05). Overall, the respondents had typical levels of knowledge, attitude responses, and behavioural practices associated with medication safety. Of the respondents, 28.2% had received medication safety education. Results: We found that 79.4% of respondents self-administered their medications. A t-test was performed to verify the differences in KAP associated with the respondents’ medication safety education experience. To identify the interrelationships among KAP, we calculated the correlation coefficients using Pearson’s correlation analysis. We developed a questionnaire on medication safety based on the KAP model. Methods: Our survey included adults aged 65 years or older. This study surveyed their medication habits and analysed the importance of relevant education to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP). Background: Older adults have certain limitations in acquiring and understanding information regarding medication safety.
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