Population awareness of risks related to medicinal product use in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR: a cross-sectional study for public health improvement in low and middle income countries

摘要: While essential medicines have been made more available in all but the most remote areas low and middle income countries (L/MICs) over past years, inappropriate incorrect use of good quality remains a key impediment for public health. In addition, as potential to cause harm (medicine risks), adequate awareness by medicine users risks adverse reactions is essential, especially self-medication common L/MICs. This study aimed investigate Lao residents regarding Vientiane Capital, People’s Democratic Republic. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires 144 older than 16 years were carried out 12 randomly selected villages 146 Capital with at least one health facility. The respondents mainly (85.0 %) heads households or their husband/spouse . majority unaware (61.8 %) risks. Compared living urban district Xaysetha, peri-urban even rural identified factors associated being [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =3.3, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.1–9.4]) aOR =7.5 (95 % CI = 2.3–24.2), respectively]. half had never heard poor medicines, higher rate rural/peri-urban compared districts (55.6 % vs 38.9 %, respectively, p = 0.02). Finally, approximately third thought that traditional could not harm. Overall, these results suggest lack about medicinal product Differences according place residence are apparent be partly explained lower level training healthcare providers contact population particular. Communication on patients through well-trained probably make valuable contribution towards appropriate