Influence of Attitudes, Perceptions, and Harm Reduction Strategies on Rational Use of Medicine in Helmand Province
Keywords: Afghanistan, Attitudes, Harm reduction strategies, Rational use of medicine, Risk awareness
Hekmatullah Khadim
Abstract
Rational use of medicines is a key aspect of national health policy, and access to medicines is one of the key tools required to promote and maintain health. Rational use of medicines has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "patients receive medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their individual requirements, for an adequate period of time, and at lowest cost to them and their community". This study explores the influence of three variables attitude towards medicine use, harm and risk perception, and support for harm reduction initiatives on rational medicine use in Helmand. There was the application of a quantitative cross-sectional design. Multiple regression models were employed in analyzing data for ascertaining the predictive capability of the three independent variables on rational medicine use The findings revealed that attitude towards medicine use was the strongest predictor (β = 0.574; R² = 0.310), explaining 31% of the variance in rational use of medicine. Harm perception and risk awareness also significantly affected it (β = 0.526; R² = 0.107), while harm reduction attitude had the weakest but significant association (β = 0.380; R² = 0.060). The results highlight that positive attitudes towards medicine use are central to facilitating rational practices in Helmand, with harm reduction support and risk awareness providing secondary yet important contributions. Interventions aiming to improve rational medicine use in Helmand need to prioritize community-based educational campaigns that alter attitudes, improve risk communication, and underpin policy enforcement mechanisms.
