THE EFFECT OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION ON PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE USE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN TOYIDITO VILLAGE, PULUBALA DISTRICT, GORONTALO REGENCY

Abstrak

The lack of public knowledge regarding the use of prescription drugs is one of the factors contributing to the high rate of non-prescription drug use in the community. This study aims to determine the effect of pharmaceutical education on public knowledge and attitudes towards the use of prescription drugs in Toyidito Village, Pulubala District, Gorontalo Regency.

The research method used was a descriptive, quantitative survey design. Sampling was conducted using purposive sampling with a total of 100 respondents. The research instrument consisted of a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis was performed univariately and bivariately using the Chi-Square test to assess relationships among variables.

The study found that respondents' knowledge levels after education fell into the categories of good (32%), sufficient (25%), and poor (43%). Regarding attitudes, respondents were distributed across good (73%), satisfactory (17%), and poor (10%). Statistical tests indicated a significant effect of pharmaceutical education on improvements in public knowledge and attitudes (p-value = 0.030). Thus, pharmaceutical education was proven effective in enhancing understanding and shaping a positive attitude among the public towards the rational and safe use of prescription drugs.

Conclusion: Pharmaceutical education has been shown to significantly improve the public's knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of prescription drugs. The majority of the public showed increased understanding and positive attitudes after receiving education, indicating that pharmaceutical education activities need to be carried out continuously to support safer and wiser use of prescription drugs.