Medication knowledge to be improved in participants in community universities in Taiwan: Outcome of a nationwide community university program

Background/PurposeTo assess knowledge improvement by the participants in a pharmacist-facilitated national community education program over a 4-month semester and to identify the educational needs of adults related to medications.MethodsThis was a single-group, pre- and post-program comparative study. From February 2005 to February 2006, 1983 community residents participating in the education program implemented at 57 community universities nationwide were included. A questionnaire consisting of 50 true/false questions was administered before and after the program to assess the participants' medication knowledge. Paired t test was used to analyze the pre- and post-program differences and generalized linear mixed models were applied to examine the demographic variables that might influence the background knowledge and outcome after adjusting for school effects.ResultsA total of 848 participants (42.8%) completed the pre-to-post questionnaire. Baseline medication knowledge was positively correlated with participants' education level and negatively correlated with age. Significant improvement (11.3%, p < 0.001) in medication knowledge was evident at the end of the program. The age and education level were significant determinants in the improvement of the pre-to-post program test score. The specific areas that required improvement most in the knowledge of the participants were: instructions on refill prescriptions, proper storage of medication, the health insurance system, drug use in special populations, and over-the-counter drugs.ConclusionThis national program improved participants' medication knowledge over a 4-month period. Patient counseling focusing more on the knowledge deficiency identified in this study during patient care is recommended.