Publication: CASE STUDY: SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES A SAFE SELF-CARE IN DIGITAL AGE
| dc.contributor.author | LOH YOK THING | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-07-28T10:52:14Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-07-28T10:52:14Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | In Malaysia, a staggering 73.1% of consumers admit to non-compliance with prescribed medication, and over a third (33.9%) engage in the high-risk practice of medicine sharing. These figures reveal a critical breakdown in the nation's quality use of medicines, a problem now dangerously amplified by unregulated digital channels where health misinformation and illicit online pharmacies proliferate. This case study provides a comprehensive analysis of the Malaysian healthcare ecosystem to diagnose the drivers, risks, and operational realities of this escalating public health challenge. The findings reveal that self-medication is a highly prevalent practice, deeply embedded in the culture and driven by perceptions of convenience, safety, and the influence of past experience. The rapid adoption of digital health, particularly telehealth services for chronic disease management, offers a structured and beneficial avenue for patient care. However, this progress is dangerously undermined by the parallel growth of an unregulated online environment. During the recent pandemic, illicit vendors comprised up to 73.3% of search engine results for in-demand medicines, creating a significant patient safety crisis. The analysis further identifies critical operational gaps at both ends of the healthcare spectrum. Deficiencies in regulatory compliance among healthcare professionals, particularly in record-keeping and medicine labelling, are widespread. This is mirrored by severe deficits in public health literacy, evidenced by the high rates of medication non-adherence and sharing among consumers. To address these interconnected challenges, this report proposes a multi-pronged strategic approach centered on three core pillars: 1. Enhanced Public Health Literacy Launching a national campaign to educate consumers on responsible self-care practices and the inherent risks of inappropriate self-medication. 2. Strengthened Digital Governance Establishing a robust regulatory framework for online health platforms and certified pharmacies to combat misinformation and ensure patient safety. 3. Improved Operational Enforcement Enhancing regulatory oversight through proven effective measures and mandating continuing professional education to close compliance gaps. By implementing these recommendations, Malaysia can foster a safer and more effective self-care environment, empowering its citizens while safeguarding public health in an increasingly digital world. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14377/37805 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | IMU University | |
| dc.subject | Self Medication | |
| dc.subject | Self Care | |
| dc.subject | Drug Utilization | |
| dc.subject | Health Literacy | |
| dc.subject | Internet | |
| dc.subject | Case Reports | |
| dc.subject | Malaysia | |
| dc.title | CASE STUDY: SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES A SAFE SELF-CARE IN DIGITAL AGE | |
| dc.type | Thesis | |
| dspace.entity.type | Publication | |
| oairecerif.author.affiliation | #PLACEHOLDER_PARENT_METADATA_VALUE# |