Title:Knowledge and Use of Over-the-counter Drugs in Italy: An Exploratory
Survey-based Study in the General Population
Volume: 21
Issue: 1
Author(s): Stefania Chiappini*, Franca Ceci, Alessio Mosca, Francesco Di Carlo, Julius Burkauskas, Mauro Pettorruso, Giovanni Martinotti, Amira Guirguis, John M. Corkery, Norbert Scherbaum, Fabrizio Schifano and Massimo Di Giannantonio
Affiliation:
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, 66100 Chieti-
Pescara, Italy
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life
and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB, UK
Keywords:
Over-the-counter drugs, OTC, drug misuse, drug diversion, survey, demographic characteristics.
Abstract:
Background: During the past decade, the misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
has become a global public health concern, especially among young people. In this study, we aimed
to explore the OTC consumption and related misuse in Italy and identify the demographic characteristics
of people/individuals involved in this phenomenon, understanding eventual risk factors.
Methods: The study consisted of an anonymous online survey distributed by direct contact and via
the Internet between June-November 2021 to the general population living in Italy. Descriptive statistics
were reported, and binary regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for lifetime
misuse of OTC. The University of Hertfordshire approved the study (aLMS/SF/UH/02951).
Results: The final sample size was composed of 717 respondents. The sample was mainly represented
by female (69.3%) students (39.9%) in the 20-25 years age group (30.0%). Based on the survey
responses, study participants were divided into two groups according to the presence/absence of
OTC abuse/misuse (127 versus 590), which were compared for possible predictors of OTC diversion.
Multivariate regression showed that OTC abuse/misuse was associated with the knowledge of
the effects of OTC [odds ratio/OR = 2.711, 95%Confidence Interval/CI 1.794-4.097, p <0.001]. On
the contrary, the educational level appeared to be a protective factor [OR = 0.695, 95%CI 0.58–0.94,
p = 0.016].
Conclusion: Although, according to our data, the phenomenon of OTC abuse appeared to be limited,
increasing attention is needed because of possible underestimation and high-risk outcomes.
Preventive strategies, including simplified access to information, may play a key role in limiting
OTC misuse.
