AN EVALUATION OF PRACTICES, PERCEPTIONS AND UNDERSTANDING ABOUT USE OF ACETAMINOPHEN (PARACETAMOL) AMONG MALAYSIAN CONSUMERS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

An assessment on the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) among consumers would provide guidance for implementing strategies to overcome the misuse of acetaminophen-containing products. This study aims to evaluate Malaysian consumers’ practices, perceptions and understanding regarding the use of acetaminophen. A semi-structured qualitative study utilising face-to-face interviews was conducted among 14 consumers aged 24 to 82 years old who live in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Transcripts of all the interviews were generated from audio tapes and were analysed for the issues and themes emerging from the text; the transcripts were independently coded and verified by experts. The consumers had a positive attitude towards the popularity, safety and efficacy of acetaminophen. The consumers predominantly used acetaminophen for pain and fever. Some consumers tended to increase the frequency and dosage of acetaminophen consumption if their condition persisted. Consumers had difficulty recognising the generic acetaminophen-containing products available in the market. Health literacy investigations have found that consumers have a lack of knowledge regarding the correct dosing regimen for acetaminophen in adults and children. The consumers were not aware of the precautions and toxicities of acetaminophen. To increase awareness of acetaminophen poisoning in Malaysia, the consumers suggested that educational tools regarding the proper use of acetaminophen are needed from the Ministry of Health and policy-makers. The information gained from this study emphasises the importance of educational interventions to educate the public on the proper use of acetaminophen in Malaysia.