Evaluation of the Rational Drug Use Knowledge Level of Vocational School of Health Services Students

Abstract

This study aimed to measure and evaluate the levels of knowledge on Rational Drug Use (RDU) among university students. This descriptive study was conducted during the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year, involving students enrolled in a university vocational school. The study comprised 632 students from the Medical Documentation and Secretarial, First and Emergency Aid, Opticianry, Occupational Therapy, Child Development, and Pharmacy Services programs, who participated voluntarily. Data were collected by a Personal Information Form and the Rational Drug Use Scale. It was found that 75% of the students possessed a sufficient level of knowledge regarding rational drug use. When program-specific analyses were examined, a significant difference was observed between the Medical Documentation and Secretarial program and the Pharmacy Services program. Although consulting a doctor was identified as the primary source of information about drugs, participants who read drug prospectus showed a significant difference in their RDU levels. No significant differences were detected in other socialdemographic characteristics. Furthermore, students who consulted a doctor demonstrated a higher level of RDU knowledge based on their health conditions and habits when they were ill. Conversely, those waiting for their illness to pass and those applying herbal treatments exhibited lower RDU knowledge levels. In comparisons related to drug use, individuals who did not use drugs based on recommendations from acquaintances had higher RDU knowledge levels. The average scores of those who consult with a physician and pharmacist when using products advertised in the media for therapeutic purposes are higher than those who do not use them and claim they consult with acquaintances and neighbors