The Situation of Drugs and Health Products in the Border Area of Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

In the western border region of Thailand, which borders Myanmar, there is an international market for medicines and health products. There are often problems with improper use of health products, resulting in health problems for people in border areas. The researchers see the importance of this problem and want to study the situation of health products. In the western border area of Thailand, this would lead to surveillance and public education for the development of the health system of the border of the west region. This study aims to explore the situation of drugs and health products in the border area of Kanchanaburi Province. This survey was conducted using convenience sampling. The sample size was 95 respondents. The survey's primary data and data on the use of drugs and health products showed that 70 respondents had a history of receiving drugs in the past year. The top three drugs were traditional, herbal, and drug set (Ya-chud), respectively. Most of the drugs were used to treat diseases, with the primary users being farmers and employees. The majority of drug transactions occurred in hospitals and healthcare centers. Most of the drugs originated from Thailand, followed by Myanmar, and no other health products were reported. As a result, the improper use of medicines in border areas continues to be an issue.