Chapter title |
Usage of Over-the-Counter and Herbal Products in Common Cold in Poland: Findings from Consumer Survey
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Chapter number | 155 |
Book title |
Advances in Clinical Science
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Published in |
Advances in experimental medicine and biology, January 2015
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DOI | 10.1007/5584_2015_155 |
Pubmed ID | |
Book ISBNs |
978-3-31-921496-2, 978-3-31-921497-9
|
Authors |
K. Karlowicz-Bodalska, K. Miśkiewicz, D. Kurpas, S. Han, A. Kowalczyk, D. Marciniak, A. Dryś, T. Glomb, S. Cedzich, U. Broniecka, E. Kuchar |
Abstract |
Upper respiratory tract infections are usually self-treated with synthetic and herbal over-the-counter products. The aim of the study was to assess the reasons for the purchase of those medications in Poland. We examined 413 adults, aged 18 and over (70.5 % of them were women) using a questionnaire. The findings demonstrate that oral synthetic products were used by 76 % of respondents, while herbal products by 30 %. Synthetic products were used mainly by educated people under 65 years of age, students, and the employed. Herbal products were used mainly by older people. In conclusion, synthetic products against common cold are perceived as more effective. Such medications are used by people who probably would like to recover and return to professional activity as quickly as possible. As they generally use more medications, they are at increased risk of adverse effects resulting from drug interactions, and they should be a target group for health education programs. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 27 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Ph. D. Student | 5 | 19% |
Other | 3 | 11% |
Student > Master | 3 | 11% |
Lecturer > Senior Lecturer | 2 | 7% |
Professor > Associate Professor | 2 | 7% |
Other | 2 | 7% |
Unknown | 10 | 37% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 3 | 11% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 2 | 7% |
Business, Management and Accounting | 2 | 7% |
Social Sciences | 2 | 7% |
Mathematics | 1 | 4% |
Other | 4 | 15% |
Unknown | 13 | 48% |