Prevalence and Factors Associated with Problem of Irrational Drug Use among People in the Eastern Economic Corridor

Abstract

The objectives of this cross-sectional survey study were to study the prevalence and factors associated with the problem of irrational drug use among people in Eastern Economic Corridor. Data were collected in August 2021. Of these, 400 samples were selected using the multi-stage random sampling method. The data were collected using a questionnaire based on the conceptual framework and related literature review. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.836. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square. The results showed prevalence of the problem of irrational drug use among people in the Eastern Economic Corridor at 71.00 percent. The problem that was encountered the most was medication that was not taken at the time indicated on the label or missed a dose (56.50 percent). Factors associated with the problem of irrational drug use were problem factors such as the problem of the rational drug use literacy and problem of public participation were associated with the problem of irrational drug use statistically significant (p<0.01). In terms of personal character factors such as sex, age, marital status, educational levels, occupation, rights to medical treatment, and illness factors such as having congenital disease and the problem of irrational drug use, were not associated.