Pharmaceutical Education and Rational Drug Use Patterns in Urban Kirkuk Pendidikan Farmasi dan Pola Penggunaan Obat yang Rasional di Kota Kirkuk

Abstract
Background: Irrational drug use remains a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Specific Background: In conflict-affected regions such as Kirkuk, limited regulation and widespread self-medication exacerbate unsafe practices. Knowledge Gap: Empirical evidence linking pharmaceutical education to rational drug use in such contexts remains scarce. Aim: This study examined the relationship between pharmaceutical education and knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding medication use among Kirkuk residents. Results: A cross-sectional survey of 200 participants revealed that higher educational attainment was significantly associated with safer medication behaviors (p < 0.05), including instruction reading and pharmacist consultation, although irrational practices persisted. Novelty: This study provides rare data from a conflict-affected Middle Eastern urban setting. Implications: Findings highlight the need for integrated, culturally responsive educational and regulatory strategies to promote rational drug use beyond knowledge acquisition alone.

Author
Suren Azad Ramadhan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.21070/acopen.10.2025.13098

ISSN
2714-7444

Publish Date: 12-Dec-2025