Cross Sectional Study of the Trend of Use of Medications and Complementary Therapy by Travelers during Flights

Long distance travelling is associated with differential negative effects, collectively referred as ‘travel fatigue’, which results from anxiety about the journey. The study has aimed to determine the trends of using prescription drugs rather than over the counter medications and complementary alternative therapy taken by travelers. A quantitative research approach has been used and 629 travelers were recruited from Saudi Arabia. The survey questionnaire was developed by the researchers after a comprehensive literature review, and it has been modified based on a pilot study consisting of 45 people, in addition to the expert review. For a 4-month period, the survey was distributed electronically through social media, also to electronic surveys distributed to travelers at King Khalid International Airport. Travelers used either prescription and over the counter medications or Complementary alternative therapy or Non-pharmacological therapy (NPT). OTC medications such as products containing paracetamol and antihistamines were commonly used medications. About 54.6% of people reported that their choice was based on information gathered from other people’s experiences, such as friends and family, followed by pharmacists. Travelers believed that medications could be used without prescription, which confirmed the extensive need of educational training related to travel and medication use.