Effectiveness of the Behavioral Change Program for Controlling Analgesic Polypharmacy Use Behaviors with Non-Medical Indications among Population in Phichit Province, Thailand

Background: Analgesic polypharmacy use with non-medical indications causes acute and chronic side effects. This problem results in adverse symptoms, and loss of resources, and finances that affects illness and death. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the behavioral change program for controlling analgesic polypharmacy use behaviors with non-medical indications among population in Phichit, Thailand Materials and Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental research, with two groups for pretest and posttest design. The present study samples involved 60 participants classified into two groups, with 30 for the experimental group and 30 for the control group. They were selected by purposive sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The behavioral change program for controlling analgesic polypharmacy use behaviors with non-medical indications was employed in the experimental group for three months. Knowledge and analgesic polypharmacy use behaviors were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and parried t-test. Results: Most of the experimental group were female, at 73%, and 40% were aged between 41 to 59 years. In the control group, 67% were female, and 67% were aged 60 years and over. After the intervention, the experimental group had higher scores of knowledge about analgesic polypharmacy and behaviors for controlling analgesic polypharmacy use with non-medical indications significantly more than before the intervention and the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The program was effective in controlling analgesic polypharmacy use behaviors with non-medical indications. Therefore, it can be utilized as a guideline to improve drug use behaviors in the targeted population.