Assessment of Awareness, Knowledge and Behaviour Regarding the Misuse of Proton Pump Inhibitors Among the General Population in the Selected Areas of Kalaburagi City

Research Article

Abstract

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are highly effective for acid-related disorders, but their widespread availability has led to significant overuse and self-medication, escalating the risk of long-term adverse effects. This misuse is frequently linked to insufficient public awareness regarding their appropriate use and potential risks. This study aimed to assess the baseline knowledge, awareness, and behaviors (KAP) concerning PPI use within the general population of Kalaburagi city and to determine the impact of a structured educational intervention. A prospective, quasi-experimental, controlled study was conducted over nine months. Five hundred participants were allocated into an intervention group (n=250), which received pharmacist-led counseling and a patient information leaflet (PIL), or a control group (n=250), which received only the PIL. A validated KAP questionnaire was administered at baseline and again two months post-intervention. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests. The intervention group demonstrated a substantial and statistically significant improvement in mean KAP scores, rising from a baseline of 9.44 ± 1.75 to 13.83 ± 2.05 (p < 0.001). While the control group also showed a minor significant increase, from 9.63 ± 1.71 to 10.26 ± 1.85 (p < 0.001), the magnitude of change in the intervention group was vastly superior. The main baseline deficits were identified in knowledge of administration timing and long-term complications. These results confirm that pharmacist-led educational initiatives can markedly improve public knowledge and promote more rational medication-use behaviors, mitigating the risks associated with PPI misuse