Medication Use Review Among Residents Living in Sen Monorum Town, Mondulkiri Province

Abstract

Introduction: Medication use review (MUR) is a process in which pharmacists discuss medications with patients to improve appropriate medicine use, enhance adherence, and optimize treatment outcomes. However, limited evidence is available regarding medication use review practices in Cambodia, particularly in rural communities. This study aimed to assess medication use patterns and the status of medication use review among residents living in Sen Monorum Town, Mondulkiri province.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study employing convenience sampling was conducted. Participants aged ≥18 years who were currently using medications and voluntarily agreed to participate were interviewed using a structured checklist adapted from Chea et al. (2022). Medication appropriateness was evaluated using Mosby’s Drug Reference for Health Professions (4th Edition), Vidal 2017, Medscape, and WebMD. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Stata MP Version 17.

Results: A total of 281 participants were included, with a mean age of 44.24±14.95 years; 64.41% were female (n=181). The most commonly reported diseases were hypertension (11.03%, n=31), gastritis (5.34%, n=15), headache (2.85%, n=8), and allergy (1.78%, n=5). Commonly used medications included acetaminophen (15.98%, n=66), amlodipine (5.08%, n=21), ibuprofen (2.66%, n=11), and metformin (2.18%, n=9). Medication review identified that 17.51% (n=45) of participants used medications with incorrect dosage, 12.89% (n=33) reported inappropriate administration practices, and 21.57% (n=55) had incorrect duration of medication use. Potential drug interactions were identified in 9.80% (n=24) of participants, while 0.41% (n=1) had two potential drug interactions.

Conclusion: Inappropriate medication use remains a public health concern among residents in Sen Monorum Town. Strengthening medication counseling and medication use review services by pharmacists and other healthcare professionals is necessary to improve rational medication use and patient safety in the community.