Understanding and Taking Action to promote the safe use of acetaminophen among Hispanics – Know Your Dose Campaign

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health partnered with Know Your Dose (KYD) Campaign, led by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), to inform Hispanic patients and consumers about the safe use of medicines that contain acetaminophen. Objectives of this program included: (1) Finding out about the general use of medicines (OTC and Prescription) among Hispanics; (2) identifying knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about acetaminophen; (3) identifying effective communication platforms to reach Hispanic consumers; and, (4) testing of consumer resources and messages to reach the Hispanic community. The Alliance conducted 5 community panel discussions (CPD) with consumers and clinicians in: San Diego, CA; San Antonio, TX; and, Miami, FL.  The Alliance will describe findings from the CPDs, as well as recommendations on the development of a campaign framework to promote the safe use of acetaminophen among Hispanics. Results: Findings from the CPDs with clinicians and Hispanic consumers were complementary and included but are not limited to: (1) Hispanic consumers use OTC medicines on a regular basis for pain, cold or allergies, but do not know if they contain Acetaminophen. (2) There is lack of knowledge about what acetaminophen is, correct dosage, and consequences of an overdose. (3) Given the wide range of educational attainment, Hispanic consumers use a variety of communication platforms to obtain information about health issues and medication. (4) Hispanics prefer attractive, colorful, and short informational resources that do not involve much reading. (5) Providers believe their Hispanic patients lack knowledge about acetaminophen and have risky behaviors when using acetaminophen