How to Investigate the Use of Medicines by Consumers
(2004; 98 pages)

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgements
	Preface
	1. Why study medicines use by consumers
		1.1 Introduction
		1.2 Common patterns of inappropriate medicines use
		1.3 From research to action
	2. What influences medicines use by consumers
		2.1 Introduction
		2.2 The household level
		2.3 The community level
		2.4 The health institution level
		2.5 The national level
		2.6 The international level
	3. How to study medicines use in communities
		3.1 Introduction
		3.2 Describing and identifying medicines use problems
		3.3 Study of documents
		3.4 Semi-structured interviews
		3.5 Focus group discussions
		3.6 Observation techniques
		3.7 Structured interviews
		3.8 Weekly illness recalls
	4. Prioritizing and analysing community medicines use problems
		4.1 Introduction
		4.2 Prioritizing problems: the criteria (Step 2)
		4.3 Rating the problems
		4.4 Analysing problems and identifying possible solutions (Step 3)
	5. Sampling
		5.1 Introduction
		5.2 Selection of study sites and study units
		5.3 Purposeful sampling for qualitative studies
		5.4 Probability sampling methods for quantitative studies
		5.5 Bias in sampling
		5.6 Sample size
	6. Data analysis
		6.1 Introduction
		6.2 Sorting and ordering data
		6.3 Making quality control checks
		6.4 Processing qualitative data
		6.5 Analysing qualitative data
		6.6 Processing quantitative data
		6.7 Analysing quantitative data
		6.8 Conclusion
	7. Monitoring and evaluating rational medicines use interventions in the community
		7.1 Introduction
		7.2 Monitoring
		7.3 Evaluation
		7.4 Summary guidelines
	Back cover

How to Investigate the Use of Medicines by Consumers


WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION	UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM	ROYAL TROPICAL INSTITUTE

Anita Hardon
University of Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Catherine Hodgkin
Royal Tropical Institute
The Netherlands

Daphne Fresle
Formerly of the Department of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy, WHO

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization and the University of Amsterdam concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.

The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization and the University of Amsterdam in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.

The World Health Organization and the University of Amsterdam do not warrant that the information contained in this publication is complete and correct and shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of its use.

Cover illustration by Victoria Francis
Designed by minimum graphics
Printed in Switzerland