Background: Many OTC drugs are available in non-pharmacy outlets, and as such the risk of overuse and/or improper use of this class of drugs is more likely. In light of this observation, our study was conducted with the aim of exploring opinions on non-pharmaceutical distribution among Polish patients. This study was a part of an informative project to educate patients about the possible risks associated with the use of OTC medicines.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among Polish patients in which we used an authorial questionnaire, previously tested via content, face validity, and a pilot study. The questionnaire was distributed both electronically and in a traditional form.
Results: 'Time saving' had a statistically significant role in the patient's decision about purchasing drugs in a non-pharmacy outlet (p = 0.0052; R = 0.276994). The lack of a pharmacist's consultation/advice (p = 0.0072; R = -0.3290490), improper storage (p = 0.0044; R = -0.238246), risk of overdose (p = 0.0125; R = -0.189564), and the risk of purchasing out-of-date drugs (p = 0.0125; R = -0.145411), as well as the risk of purchasing falsified drugs (p = 0.0265; R = -0.159428), were all associated with the patient's non-willingness to purchase drugs in non-pharmacy outlets. Patients supported the idea of the elimination of non-pharmacy outlet distribution (p = 0.0074; R = -0.195932); they also emphasized that they are advocates of purchasing drugs only in community pharmacies (p = 0.0006; R = -0.238625).
Conclusion: Patients are aware of the risks associated with buying drugs outside of community pharmacies. They perceived pharmacists as professional health care advisors and supported the fact that OTC drugs should be available only via pharmaceutical distribution.
Keywords: OTC drugs; Poland; community pharmacy; non-pharmacy outlets; pharmacist.