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Effects of a National Health Education Program on the Medication Knowledge of the Public in Taiwan

Research Associate, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan

Hui-Po Wang, PhD

Professor, Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University; former Director General, Bureau of Pharmaceutical Affairs, Department of Health, Taipei

Yea-Huei Kao Yang, BSPharm

Associate Professor, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan

Swu-Jane Lin, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Administration, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL

Hsiang-Wen Lin, MSCP

PhD Candidate, Department of Pharmacy Administration, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago

Chiung-Sheue Chen, PhD

Professor, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University

Fe-Lin Lin Wu, MSCP PhD

Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University

Reprints: Dr. Lin Wu, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1 Jen-Ai Rd., Section 1, Taipei 100, Taiwan, fax 886 2 23938231, flwu{at}ha.mc.ntu.edu.tw

BACKGROUND: The inappropriate use of medication and inadequate medication knowledge among the general population has long been a concern in Taiwan. One reason for the deficiencies might be the lack of an active role of pharmacists in educating the public. To rectify the situation, in 2002, the Bureau of Pharmaceutical Affairs, Department of Health of Taiwan, began to sponsor a national effort, titled Community Education Program on Medication Use, to involve the expertise of pharmacists in public education.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of this education program by analyzing the changes in knowledge of drug therapy among the participating public.

METHODS: This was a single-group pre- and post-comparison study. Between September 2003 and January 2004, a total of 955 community residents enrolled in the pharmacist-facilitated education program offered at 31 community universities. The medication knowledge of the participants was evaluated before and after the program. Demographic variables that might affect the education outcomes of the program were also examined.

RESULTS: Medication knowledge at baseline was positively correlated with education level and negatively correlated with age. Females were more aware of drug-related information than were males. The participants showed a significant improvement in medication knowledge (p < 0.001) at the end of the program. The baseline knowledge score was the most important determinant of the improvement of the posttest score.

CONCLUSIONS: A national education program facilitated by pharmacists can improve the medication knowledge of the participants. Pharmacists should be encouraged to play a proactive role in large-scale health education programs.

Key Words: community health education, medication knowledge

Published Online, December 20, 2005. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1G312