Sources of Drug Information and the Rate of Reading Patient Information Leaflets by Medical Sciences Students

Abstract

Background and aims: Patient information leaflets (PILs) are the best form of written information transfer. The aim of this study was to investigate the sources of drug information and the reading rate of PILs among medical sciences students. Methods: Three hundred students were entered in this cross-sectional study via simple random sampling at the Faculty of Paramedical, Nursing and Midwifery of Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Results: The participants considered the physician as the most reliable source for receiving drug information. Pharmacists, PILs, and the Internet were mentioned as the next sources, respectively. About 15.3% of people always read PILs. Students used PILs along with other sources of drug information. Conclusion: The type of medication and the individuals’ need for the type of information, along with the structure and presentation of the materials in the PILs, are all contributing factors.