Development of G-RDU Program to Promote Rational Drug Use in Grocery Stores in Roi Et Province.

Abstract

      This action research aimed to 1) examine the situation and user requirements for drug and health product surveillance in grocery stores; 2) develop the G-RDU program to promote rational drug use in grocery stores; and 3) evaluate the program's outcomes in pilot areas. The study was conducted between 26 December 2023 and 25 December 2024 in three phases. Sample size were 100 grocery stores across 5 pilot districts of Roi Et Province. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

      The results revealed four major problems in the existing system: lack of centralized database, high paper-based costs, redundant data processing, and inadequate cross-level communication. The developed G-RDU program (https://www.grdu.fda.moph.go.th) consisted of six main functions. The prototype evaluation yielded mean scores of 4.32 ± 0.41 (highest level) from experts and 3.92 ± 0.95 (high level) from personnel. Implementation covered all 100 grocery stores (100%), classified as green-level 55%, red-level 28%, and yellow-level 17%, with 34% meeting both G-RDU and G-SHP criteria. Owners' health product literacy averaged 85.8 out of 115 (74.6%, high level), and user satisfaction scored 4.56 ± 0.32, with 89.60% at the highest level.