Knowledge, attitude, and use of over-the-counter medications among Syrian refugees

Abstract Objectives This study aims to assess the knowledge of Syrian refugees about safe medication use and evaluate their use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to July 31, 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to Syrian refugees through social media, telephone, and during in-person visits to primary care medical clinics. Results 268 participants enrolled in this study. Our results indicated that having previous experience in treating similar diseases was the most common reason for self-medication (47%), analgesics were the most frequently used OTC drugs (88.1%), and the headache was the primary symptom for taking OTC drugs (69%). Most participants (83.2%) were interested in knowing the side effects and contraindications of OTC medications, as well as reported that self-medication with OTC drugs should not be encouraged. Most of the participants (76.5%) thought that OTC medications were enough to treat them. More than 50 (56.3%) participants believed pharmacists were well-equipped to prescribe OTC drugs. A large proportion (87.7%) of respondents thought that some medications needed a prescription to be purchased; however, just below three-quarters of them (70.9%) went to health facilities or visited physicians only as necessary. Conclusion Our results point out the gaps in knowledge about the safe use of OTC medications and also expose frequent self-medication practices among Syrian refugees. Consequently, refugees’ medication knowledge must adhere to modifications through targeted education and better access to medical services, encouraging refugees to use every single medicine, like OTC drugs, correctly and safely.