Psychological correlates of the irrational use of medicine in a sample of middle aged Lithuanians

Abstract

Objective. This study was intended to evaluate importance of health status, drug use disorder symptoms and attitude towards advertisement of pharmacological products for the irrational use of medicine in a sample of 40-65 years old Lithuanians. Methods. A cross-sectional survey using self-report questionnaire (with DUDIT, general health evaluation, attitudes towards advertisement of pharmacological products and irrational use of medicine) was carried out in a group of 40-65 years old Lithuanians. The total sample included 110 respondents (70.9 % females; mean age 50.0 years). Results. Even though men were more critical towards advertisement of pharmacological products and had less symptoms of drug use disorder than women, but they were not more rational users of medicine. Also health status was important indicator of both rationality in medicine use and criticism towards pharmacological products advertising. Respondents with poor health were less critical and more irrational users of pharmacological products. Conclusion. The results imply that more interventions of critical attitude formation towards advertising as though as rational use of medicine should be implemented in 40-65 years old age group of patients.