Role of Public Awareness and Social Participation in the Rational Use of Medicines in Herat Province
Key words: Herat province, Public awareness, Rational drug use, Self-medication, Social participation
Ekram Mohammadi
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the role of public awareness and social participation in the rational use of medicines in Herat province, Afghanistan. A mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative) was employed, beginning with open-ended interviews with eight healthcare experts, followed by the design and distribution of a questionnaire to 378 participants, including nurses, healthcare staff, and local residents. The findings indicated that public awareness (β=0.58) and social participation (β=0.49) had the strongest positive impact on rational medicine use, while trust in traditional medicine (β=-0.32) showed a significant negative effect. Government supervision of pharmacies (β=0.27) and the quality of medical education (β=0.19) also had positive, yet weaker, effects. Regression analysis revealed that the model explained 67% of the variance in rational medicine use (R²=0.67). These results highlight the necessity of a comprehensive, participatory approach involving government, healthcare institutions, universities, media, and communities to promote rational drug use. Enhancing public awareness and social engagement is identified as the most critical tool for reducing self-medication.
