Evaluation of Prescription Medication Sharing Among Adults in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Prescription medication sharing is an inappropriate medication use behavior that can lead to medication errors and adverse drug events, posing a public health threat. The reported prevalence of prescription medication lending and borrowing varies by country, ranging from 6%–23% and 5%–52%, respectively. However, research on medication sharing is scant in Asian countries. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the rate of prescription medication sharing practices and investigate the associated behavioral factors, types of shared medications, and reasons for sharing among adults in South Korea.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered survey of 1,000 adults (aged 19–69 years; November 2020). A stratified sampling method was used to select survey participants from a nationwide consumer panel, which ensured a representative distribution of the Korean population by age, gender, and region. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the information related to sharing behavior.Results: A total of 1,000 respondents participated in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 44.7 years (standard deviation [SD], 13.4), ranging from 20 to 69 years. The rate of medication sharing was 52.4%. The most prevalently shared medications were analgesic, antipyretic, and antimigraine medications. Prescription medications were shared mostly between family and relatives. Older age was a predictive factor for sharing analgesics. Lower educational level was a predictive factor for sharing ophthalmic medications.Conclusions: Approximately one in two respondents in our study have experienced medication sharing in their lifetime. Future studies are needed to establish evidence-based strategies for patient education and improve the medication use process. Healthcare professionals should assess patients’ needs for accessing medications and be ready to educate and guide them with specific action plans. Policymakers should consider patient empowerment strategies including public education and campaigns to avoid potential adverse outcomes of medication sharing.

Understanding non-recreational prescription medication-sharing behaviours: a systematic review

“…Seven studies were from the US (eight papers), 5 , 9 , 17 – 21 , 36 three from New Zealand (four papers), 8 , 22 – 24 one study each from Croatia (three papers), 25 – 27 Saudi Arabia, 28 Malaysia, 29 Nigeria, 30 Philippines, 31 Australia, 32 Ireland, 33 South Korea, 34 and Uganda. 35 Seventeen studies employed quantitative methods, 5 , 9 , 17 – 31 , 33 – 36 one was qualitative, 8 and one mixed methods.…”

“… 8 , 29 Of the studies that provided details: fifteen studies reported that painkillers were commonly shared. 9 , 17 – 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 – 36 twelve antibiotics; 9 , 18 – 24 , 28 , 30 , 31 , 33 – 35 nine allergy medication; 18 – 24 , 28 , 34 – 36 five antidepressants/anxiety/mood medication; 9 , 18 , 20 , 21 , 30 , 32 three medications for skin problems and acne; 18 , 20 , 21 , 30 three contraceptives; 18 , 20 , 21 , 33 three sleeping medication/sedatives; 5 , 17 , 36 two asthma medications; 19 , 22 , 23 two blood pressure medication; 9 , 32 and only one study reported the prevalence of sharing each of heart disease medication, 32 diabetes medication, 32 arthritis/joint inflammation medication, 32 cold/flu medication, 30 and stimulants. 17 …”

“…The most common motivation for sharing was avoidance of the cost associated with visiting a medical professional and/or obtaining prescription medication ( n = 7). 5 , 9 , 19 , 20 , 32 , 33 , 36 This was followed by not wanting to visit a medical professional ( n = 6) 18 , 19 , 21 , 28 , 33 , 34 and to access medicines/medical services when needed ( n = 5). 5 , 8 , 21 , 25 , 27 , 34 …”

“… 5 , 9 , 19 , 20 , 32 , 33 , 36 This was followed by not wanting to visit a medical professional ( n = 6) 18 , 19 , 21 , 28 , 33 , 34 and to access medicines/medical services when needed ( n = 5). 5 , 8 , 21 , 25 , 27 , 34 …”

“…Running out of medication was the most commonly reported circumstance( n = 7), 5 , 19 , 20 , 24 , 28 , 30 , 36 followed by requiring urgent/emergency treatment ( n = 6). 5 , 19 , 20 , 24 , 30 , 34 …”