SELFCARE FOCUS

A selection of newly published papers on self care from the worldwide literature

Every week, we will provide a brief summary and a link to the published abstract of newly published papers selected from the worldwide literature as being of particular interest to the SelfCare community.

IS NON-PRESCRIPTION OSELTAMIVIR AVAILABILITY UNDER STRICT CRITERIA WORKABLE? A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN NEW ZEALAND.

By: N Gauld, F Kelly, J Shaw.

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2011 January  66(1): 201-204

Summary: In 2007, NewZealand became the first country to make oseltamivir(Tamifl®)available off prescription, with strict rules for supply. This study was to evaluate pharmacists’ attitudes to and experiences of non-prescription supply of oseltamivir, using semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists. While pharmacists welcomed non-prescription oseltamivir, the rules for supply frustrated pharmacists and limited potential public health benefits. If medicines are reclassified with various rules of supply, multiple reminders of the rules for supply to pharmacists and other health professionals are desirable along with the rationale for such rules. Protocols and/or consultation pads for use at time of supply are likely to be valued and are an important aid where there is a risk of faulty recall of rules.

Abstract.

PATIENT ENGAGEMENT WITH A DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION.

By: A. Lindenmeyer, S Whitlock, J Sturt, F Griffiths.

Chronic Illn. 2010 Dec;6(4):306-16. Epub 2010 Oct 4

Summary: This study used semi-structured interviews with 12 participants to explore how people living with type 2 diabetes self-manage their condition in everyday life and the impact of the Diabetes Manual programme, a one-to-one structured educational intervention aiming to increase skills and confidence for self-management. Participants used the Diabetes Manual programme in different ways, choosing the timing  and depth of engagement. Their experience suggests that the programme requires close communication and openness towards collaborative approaches to improve skills and confidence for self-management.

Abstract.

See also: Embracing the Evidence on Problem Solving in Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.
SelfCare 2010;1(3):83-99  Abstract.

SOME AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR OVER THE-COUNTER (OTC) PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS.

By: RK Srivastava, AT More.

International Journal of Biotechnology.  2010 Nov  11 (3-4): 267-283

Summary: This paper studies the consumer’s perception for product colour, shape and taste while buying an over the counter (OTC) product. Using direct consumer questionnaires the study shows that there is an influence of aesthetic attributes of OTC products on consumption which can translate to brand loyalty and to sales. Red and pink emerged as most preferred colour. Blue and white are other two preferred colours.

Abstract

USE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER ANALGESICS IS ASSOCIATED WITH PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG 25-44-YEAR-OLDS: A NATIONAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

By: V Koushede, BE Holstein, A Andersen, O Ekholm, EH Hansen.

Scandinavian journal of public health.  2010 Jul   38 (5): 474-480

Summary: A cross-sectional study in Denmark was undertaken to examine the association between perceived stress and use of over-the-counter analgesics (OTCA) among 25-44-year-olds, and to examine the association across various sociodemographic strata (n=3461). There was a significant association between perceived stress and OTCA use that could not be explained by potential stress-related pain across all the examined sociodemographic strata. OTCA may be used outside their indication to treat feelings of stress. Those in charge of dispensing medicines and policy makers should be aware of this potentially harmful use of products that are available without prescription.

Abstract

DRUG TREATMENT OF CHRONIC-INTERMITTENT ABDOMINAL CRAMPING AND PAIN: A MULTI-NATIONAL SURVEY ON USAGE AND ATTITUDES.

By: S Mueller-Lissner, E  M Quigley, I Helfrich, E Schaefer.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2010 Aug;32(3):472-7. Epub 2010 May 22

Summary: Background data on drug treatment of abdominal cramping and pain are sparse, the aim of this study was to compare treatment across the USA, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Belgium, Italy and the UK using a multi-national survey. In total, 1717 participants were interviewed. Respondents from the Americas used more medication (approximately 90%) than those from Europe (approximately 70%). Over-the-counter remedies were much more used than prescription drugs. Medication was mainly taken on demand to relieve a pain episode. In the Latin American countries, antispasmodics were most popular (up to 73%), in Germany antacids, and in the UK antacids and analgesics. Regarding expectations of treatment, ‘fast onset of action’ ranked the highest, followed by ‘highly effective’ and ‘well tolerated’. Antispasmodics are the class most frequently used with considerable variation from country to country.

Abstract.

NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY USE AMONG ADOLESCENT SMOKERS SEEKING CESSATION TREATMENT.

By: M Botello-Harbaum, J R Schroeder, C C Collins, E T Moolchan.

Ethn Dis. 2010 Spring;20(2):180-4.

Summary: A study to examine the correlates of prior nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in an urban sample of adolescent smokers seeking smoking cessation treatment. Data in a sample of 1879 were collected via a telephone interview by trained research personnel. The results show differences in NRT use patterns based on age, Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and race/ethnicity. European American youths are more likely than their ‘other’ counterparts to use NRT, after adjusting for age and smoking severity, whereas, African American youth are less likely than their ‘other’ counterparts to use NRT. These findings suggest racial/ethnic disparities in accessing smoking cessation modalities among adolescents.

Abstract.

AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW OF THE EFFICACY OF TOPICAL ANTIHISTAMINES IN THE RELIEF OF PRURITUS.

By: D C Eschler,  P A Klein.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Aug;9(8):992-7

Summary: The body of clinical trials refuting or supporting the efficacy of topical antihistamines in the relief of pruritus is critically reviewed, with a review of PubMed from January 1950 through September 2009 and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Topical doxepin has been demonstrated to reduce pruritus. Evidence is lacking, however, for other topical antihistamines that are widely used and available without a prescription.

Abstract.

EVIDENCE AND PRACTICE IN THE SELF-MANAGEMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN: FINDINGS FROM AN AUSTRALIAN INTERNET-BASED SURVEY.

By: V Wilk,  H D Palmer,  R G Stosic,  A J McLachlan.

Clin J Pain. 2010 Jul-Aug;26(6):533-40

Summary: Low back pain (LBP) is common, but sufferers pursue a range of management options and only some seek professional advice. This study examines how Australian consumers report that they manage LBP, with emphasis on the extent to which their practices match clinical recommendations and guidelines. The self-care choices that some people with LBP are making are not in line with the current evidence-based guidelines. This may lead to delayed recovery and the risk of medication-related problems. The provision of education about the nonpharmacologic management options for LBP, optimal information about appropriate medicines choices, and about medication contraindications is essential.

Abstract.

IMPACT OF THE VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL OF OVER-THE-COUNTER COUGH AND COLD MEDICATIONS ON PEDIATRIC INGESTIONS REPORTED TO POISON CENTERS.

By: W Klein-Schwartz, JD Sorkin, S Doyon.

Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2010 Aug;19(8):819-24

Summary: This study was to assess the impact of a voluntary withdrawal of over-the-counter cough and cold medications (OTC CCMs) labeled for children under age 2 years on pediatric ingestions reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. A trend analysis of OTC CCMs ingestions in children under the age 6 years resulting from therapeutic errors or unintentional poisonings for 27 months before and 15 months after the October 2007 voluntary withdrawal was conducted. A significant decrease in annual rates of therapeutic errors in children under 2-years reported to Poison Centers followed the voluntary withdrawal of OTC CCMs for children under age 2-years. Concerns that withdrawal of pediatric medications would paradoxically increase poisonings from parents giving products intended for older age groups to young children are not supported.

Abstract.

Keywords