Jurnal Ners
Vol. 10 No. 3 (2026): JULI 2026

Consumer Perceptions of Drug Safety and Effectiveness in Digital Self-Medication Practices: A Systematic Literature Review

Ahmad Azrul Zuniarto (Universitas YPIB Majalengka)
Lia Natalia (Universitas YPIB Majalengka)
Ajeng Hanugrahing Dewi (Universitas YPIB Majalengka)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Jul 2026

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital pharmacy platforms has intensified online self-medication practices globally, yet consumer perceptions of drug safety and effectiveness through digital channels remain poorly understood existing reviews examine these dimensions separately without an integrated framework. This qualitative Systematic Literature Review (SLR), conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesises evidence from 31 studies identified across Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar (2021-2026). Eligibility was determined using the SPIDER framework; two independent reviewers performed selection (Cohen's κ = 0.87); and data were synthesised using three-stage thematic synthesis. On the safety dimension, 12 indicators were identified across 61 coded instances: 80.3% reported negative impacts, dominated by information transparency deficits (F=19), difficulty distinguishing licensed from illegal platforms (F=14), and absence of pharmacist interaction (F=4). On the effectiveness dimension, all six indicators (11 instances) were exclusively negative, including low medication literacy (F=4), drug interaction risks (F=2), self-diagnosis inaccuracy (F=2), and elevated adverse drug reaction rates. Negative perceptions across both dimensions consistently stem from three structural determinants: weak regulatory frameworks, low medication literacy, and the structural absence of professional oversight. Multi-level interventions are urgently needed, encompassing platform regulation standardisation, digital health literacy promotion, and mandatory pharmacist consultation integration.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ners

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing

Description

Fokus Jurnal Ners meliputi bidang kajian riset keperawatan diantaranya Keperawatan Medikal Bedah, Keperawatan Maternitas, Keperawatan Gawat Darurat, Keperawatan Anak, Keperawatan Lansia, Keperawatan Jiwa, Keperawatan Keluarga, Keperawatan Masyarakat, Manajemen Keperawatan dan Terapi Komplementer ...