Medication knowledge to be improved in participants in community universities in Taiwan: Outcome of a nationwide community university program

作者：Huang Yen Ming; Yang Yea Huei Kao; Lin Swu Jane; Chen Karin Chiung Sheue; Kuo Chuan Chi; Wu Fe Lin Lin^*

来源：Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, 2015, 114(12): 1267-1279.

DOI：10.1016/j.jfma.2014.12.001

• health education
• knowledge
• pharmacist
• Taiwan

Background/Purpose: To assess knowledge improvement by the participants in a pharmacistfacilitated 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.

• 出版日期2015-12