High perceived sensitivity to medicines is associated with higher medical care utilisation, increased symptom reporting and greater information-seeking about medication.
PURPOSE
The belief that one is especially sensitive to the actions and side effects of medicines can influence treatment adherence and side-effect reporting. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of perceived medication sensitivity in the general population and its relationship to symptom complaints, information seeking about medications, use of medical care and demographic factors.


METHODS
A nationally representative sample of 1000 New Zealand residents completed the Perceived Sensitivity to Medicines scale and symptoms experienced during the previous 7 days. Demographic data and medical visits, medication use and information seeking about medicines were also collected.


RESULTS
Over 20% of the general population reported being very sensitive to the effects of medication (20.2%) and that small amounts of medicines can upset their body (25.3%). Participants who reported high levels of perceived sensitivity to medicines reported significantly more symptoms (M = 9.54, SE = 0.47) than people with low (M = 5.04, SE = 0.49) or moderate (M = 5.91, SE = 0.24) levels, ps < .001. This relationship was strongest in participants who were currently taking prescription medication. Those with high perceived sensitivity also reported being more likely to seek information about medicines, and had significantly more general practitioner visits.


CONCLUSIONS
Perceived sensitivity to medicines is common in the population and associated with important clinical variables including information seeking, GP visits and symptom reporting. Identifying patients with higher perceived sensitivity to medicines may improve patient care by providing the basis for targeted and personalised interventions to reduce side effects and improve adherence to medications.
['Faasse|Kate|K|', 'Grey|Andrew|A|', 'Horne|Rob|R|', 'Petrie|Keith J|KJ|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D003257:Consumer Product Safety D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions D005260:Female D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice D006801:Humans D008297:Male D055118:Medication Adherence D008875:Middle Aged D009520:New Zealand D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care D055815:Young Adult
perceived sensitivity to medicine symptom reporting prevalence medical visits pharmacoepidemiology