Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International journal of clinical practice, cilt.75, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting rational drug use habits and the use of technological devices in patients with chronic diseases.
Methods: Adults who applied to the internal medicine outpatient clinics of a university hospital between March and December 2019, who used medications for chronic disease were included in the study. Using a questionnaire, data on demographic characteristics, technology use, smoking and alcohol use, knowledge and behaviour on rational drug use were collected.
Results: Of the patients, 73.3% (n = 220) had smartphones, 28.0% (n = 84) tablets, 8.7% (n = 26) smartwatches, 6.0% (n = 18) were using smart bracelets, 52.3% (n = 157) knew the e-pulse application of the Ministry of Health, 53.3% (n = 160) forgot on occasions the time to take their medications, 51.7% (n = 155) threw away some drugs because the expiration date has passed, 64.0% (n = 192) had at home never-used or unfinished medications, 21.3% (n = 64) had medications to be used 'in case', 19.0% (n = 57) recommend drugs to others and 34.3% (n = 103) were getting advice from their environment on drug use. Women were 2.35 times more likely to use technology than men (95% CI: 1.19-4.64). Decreasing age was associated with an increased likelihood of using technology. Those with an income of more than twice the minimum wage compared with those with an income of minimum wage and below had 3.41 times (95% CI: 1.06-10.94) higher possibility of using technological devices, while compared with the illiterate, those with secondary education or university education had 14.96 times (95% GA: 3.67-60.93) higher possibility of using technological devices.
Conclusion: The patients with chronic diseases demonstrate crucial deficiencies regarding rational drug use. The widespread use of technological devices may be an opportunity for preventive and remedial projects to be developed through these devices. Smartphone-based self-management tools should be developed and introduced to chronic patients.