The Effect of Life Satisfaction on Knowledge Level of Rational Drug Use Among Patients Applying to a Family Health Center

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: When used rationally, medications can be effective in the treatment of diseases, prevent disease progression, and improve individuals' quality of life. However, improper or unconscious use of medications can lead to undesirable toxic effects, reducing quality of life and even causing serious conditions that may result in death. A review of the literature revealed a significant number of publications on irrational drug use, but studies examining the relationship between life satisfaction and rational drug use are limited. The objective of this study is to identify the relationship between life satisfaction and the level of knowledge about rational drug use among patients applying to a Family Health Center.

Method: This study, which has a descriptive and cross-sectional design, included 260 patients between the ages of 18-65 who applied to a Family Health Center in Mamak district of Ankara. The data collection form consists of three sections. The first section includes descriptive characteristics of the participants, the second section includes the Rational Drug Use Scale, and the last section includes the Life Satisfaction Scale. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Independent Sample t-Test, One-Way ANOVA test, correlation and regression analysis.

Findings: The analysis showed that individuals' life satisfaction is a significant factor influencing their level of rational drug use (p ≤ 0.05). Life satisfaction explains approximately 16% of the variation in rational drug use (R = 0.160). Participants who do not smoke and those with chronic illnesses had higher average scores for both life satisfaction and rational drug use.

Conclusion: It was found that participants who do not smoke, have chronic diseases, are university graduates, and have higher income levels tend to have higher life satisfaction, while non-smokers and those with chronic illnesses demonstrate higher levels of rational drug use.