Background and Objectives: Paracetamol on the
over-the-counter (OTC) drug that people could
purchase without a prescription and generally used
for pain relief by themselves. Therefore, this study
aimed to assess knowledge and behavior regarding
paracetamol usage among residents of Nawamin
sub-district, Bueng Kum district, Bangkok.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was
performed in 396 respondents of Nawamin sub-district,
Bueng Kum district, Bangkok. The data was collected
by self-administered questionnaire.
Results: Most participants had moderate level of
knowledge (mean of 6.37±2.04 from 12 points). ‘Paracetamol
overdose can lead to renal toxicity’ was the
question which most participants were incorrect. In
term of behavior of paracetamol usage (mean of
5.73±1.11 from 7 points), most of participants had
inappropriate practice of ‘the number of paracetamol
tablets administered at each dose’. Factors
significantly affecting knowledge of paracetamol use
included education level, occupation, household
income and hepatic disease (p≤0.001, 0.022, 0.005
and 0.031, respectively). Whereas, factor significantly
influencing behavior of paracetamol use was
education level (p=0.012). In addition, no statistical association between knowledge and behavior of
paracetamol use.
Conclusion: Residents of Nawamin sub-district, Bueng
Kum district, Bangkok had moderate level of
knowledge. Some of them had inappropriate practice
of behavior regarding paracetamol usage. Pharmacist
should play a role in correcting inaccurate knowledge
and understanding and try various strategies to change
behaviors so that people can use paracetamol
correctly and reasonably.