"These pills have never harmed anyone; you can take them without hesitation"-a qualitative study on attitudes and usage habits of primary care patients with regard to over-the-counter drugs

Background. Nonprescription medications, so-called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, are in high demand among consumers and are prominently featured in advertising. While the importance of OTC drugs has been relatively well researched in health economics contexts, there is a lack of reliable studies that take patients' attitudes, attributions, and usage habits into account. Objectives. Based on a previous quantitative waiting room survey of 900 primary care patients, the present qualitative study aimed to classify patients with regular OTC use with regard to attitude and usage patterns. Materials and methods. The study is based on 42 qualitative individual interviews with primary care patients that were conducted between February and May 2023. In the course of the evaluation, qualitative typing according to Kluge was used. Results. Four types of OTC users were identified. Firstly, there are patients who see OTC drugs as similar to prescription products and generally seek medical advice. Secondly, there are patients who have a pronounced use of OTC products in certain, narrow application corridors, because they are familiar with them from long-term usage routines. Thirdly, some of the interviewees tend to widely use OTC drugs for prophylactic and even performance-enhancing purposes. Fourthly, we notice patients who see OTC drugs as the key to pure self-medication and aim to avoid visits to the doctor as much as possible. Conclusion. Findings from the preliminary investigation were confirmed, but further insights were also gained. Given the ready availability of OTC drugs and their presence in advertising, it is important that patients have a realistic understanding of the possibilities and risks of such products. In addition to the advice from pharmacists, the trusting, long-term support from general practitioners as well as their continuous information and advice play a central role. It is also important to strengthen public health campaigns.