Gunes SS, Macit C, Mercanoglu G, Taner N4 and Clark PM
Background: Patient education correlates with adherence since informed patients are more conscious about prescribed medications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of patient education on adherence to antibacterial usage by community pharmacists. Methods: Patients with various infectious diseases, and were prescribed oral antibiotic therapy were divided into two groups: control (CG) and study (IG). Patients were informed about the dose regimen, and were instructed about the drug use. Further oral and visual information about proper use of antibiotics was given to IG. A self-reported, medication-taking behavior scale (MMAS) was used to evaluate patient’s adherence. Results: The groups were homogenous in terms of gender, age and socio-economic characteristics (p>0.05). Most of the prescriptions were written with upper respiratory tract infections by a general practitioner (n=95, 47.7%). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of non-adherence rates (p=0.017). There was a significant correlation between adherence and both length of therapy and number of pills in the container (p<0.05). The specialty of physician and information given by the physician did not differ within the groups (p>0.05). Our results showed that, community pharmacist led education on the proper use of anti-bacterial helps to improve patient’s adherence. This study will guide for the creation of educational programs.
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