The Present Status and Future Issues regarding the Use of Nonprescription Drugs, Obtained from the Results of Face-to-Face Surveys with the Inhabitants of Remote Islands

This study was conducted among 252 inhabitants aged 16 years or older of small remote islands in Gotoh. The survey was conducted in a direct interview format based on a questionnaire. In the interview, the respondents were asked about the statuses of their Internet usage, purchase/use/storage of nonprescription drugs, acquisition of information regarding nonprescription drugs, as well as regulations pertaining to the sale of nonprescription drugs, including the use of postal services. Among the respondents, 7.5% were Internet users, whereas people who had past experiences in purchasing nonprescription drugs through Internet accounted for as few as 0.8% of the total number of respondents; 63.9% of the inhabitants of small remote islands did not use nonprescription drugs, additionally, most inhabitants of small remote islands did not express any need for nonprescription drugs sold through Internet. Further, the findings suggested that a large number of people felt the need for the presence of pharmacists and experts to provide them with explanations and information regarding nonprescription drugs. However, because a large number of these people were unaware of the existence of pharmacists, it is important that in the future, pharmacists should conduct “consultation meetings and briefings regarding medications.” These meeting may be held in a continuous manner in these small remote islands, such that the inhabitants recognize the difference in a pharmacists' profession. It is essential that “family pharmacies/pharmacists” play a central role in promoting the supply, management, and proper use of pharmaceutical products.