Dispensing errors and self-medication practice observed by community pharmacists in Jordan.

backgroundDrug dispensing is the major function of community pharmacists, the pharmacists should have the ability to counsel the patients and be aware of dispensing errors. Self- medication is a universal phenomenon that is widely practiced in developing countries and it may lead to irrational usage of drugs.

objectivesThe objectives of this study were identifying the factors that associated with dispensing errors and how to minimize them and identifying patients' reasons for self-medication, drugs purchased as Over-The-Counter drugs, patients' source of drug information.

methodsA cross-sectional survey of a stratified random sample of three hundred registered community pharmacists in all Jordanian regions (north, middle and south). Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS software version 17.0.

resultsThe majority of respondents were female (72.7%). Poor doctor's handwritten prescription was the major identified factor that associates with despising errors (3.78 out of 5) and improving doctor handwritten or using printed prescription was the most appreciated factor in reducing these errors (4.62 out of 5). Regarding community pharmacists' opinions toward self-medication practice, the majority said that it is not acceptable (4.12 out of 5) and most of the time it leads to bad sequences. Financial problem was the major reason behind self-medication (4.72 out of 5), analgesics/antipyretics were most drug groups that dispensed as OTC drugs (4.85 out of 5) and the pharmacists were a major source of patient' drug information.

conclusionDrugs dispensing errors and self-medication practices are widespread in Jordan and they should be regulated and restricted throughout applying strong policies and laws. They should be strictly enforced among pharmacies and there is a great responsibility to increase community awareness regarding appropriate drugs using.