Misinformation about medications in rural Ghana

Bibliographic Data

ID4745575
AuthorsCarolyn S Wolf-Gould, Carolyn Wolf-Gould (Yale University), Naomi Taylor (Yale University), Sarah Mccue Horwitz (0000-0002-5262-1170, Yale University), Michèle Barry (0000-0001-9629-3642, Yale University)
Year1991
Volume33
Issue1
Pages83-89
Publication date1991-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Science & Medicine (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0277-9536 • E-ISSN: 1873-5347
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/0277-9536(91)90459-p
PMID1882245
OpenAlexW2026965392
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited12

Misuse of medications is a serious problem in developing countries where drug sales are not regulated. This study assessed drug knowledge and use in a rural Ghanaian town. We surveyed health care workers and a community population sample regarding knowledge and use of available drugs. Although drugs were used by a large percentage of the population, only a small percentage correctly described their recommended use. Doctors and medical assistants were knowledgeable in the correct use of drugs, while chemists were poorly informed. However, the majority of the non-health care worker (NHCW) population bought drugs from chemists without a prescription. We conclude that in this rural setting, chemists contributed to drug misuse by providing misinformation about drugs and selling drugs according to popular demand. Educational programs for chemists and the population regarding drug use and regulation of drug sales by chemists will be critical to drug reform in Ghana

Alternative medicine · Developing country · Drug · Economic growth · Environmental health · Family medicine · Health care · Medical prescription · Misinformation · Political science · Population · Economic Growth and Development · Medicine · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Pharmacology