Investigating Public Awareness About the Effect of Over-the-Counter Drugs on the Heart in Benghazi City, Libya

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely used for self-treatment without medical supervision. While considered generally safe, some OTCs— such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), decongestants, and certain pain relievers — have been associated with adverse cardiovascular effects, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and increased risk of heart attacks. Despite this, public awareness about these risks remains limited, especially in developing countries like Libya, where regulation and health education are often insufficient. Benghazi, as a major city, presents an important context for assessing such awareness. Aim: To assess the awareness of the public of Benghazi about the effect of OTCs on heart health. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study is composed of two main sections: Section A – Pharmacist Survey: A short Google Forms questionnaire consisting of four questions was distributed among pharmacists to identify the most commonly dispensed OTCs and understand local usage trends. The same data collection period and analysis methods were applied as in Section B.– Public Survey: A structured online questionnaire was shared via social media platforms to assess public knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes concerning the use of OTCs and their cardiovascular impact in Benghazi. Sample Size: 385 participants (determined using Cochran’s formula). Exclusion Criteria: Medical doctors, medical students, and individuals with cardiac conditions. Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics and reliability testing using SPSS.Results: 328 participants completed the survey and were included in the present analysis. 53.9% of the participants were female, with the majority (34.2%) aged between 21 and 30 years old. Additionally, 85.6% attended university, 20.7% reported having chronic diseases. Conclusion: The findings of this study are consistent with both local and international research, highlighting the critical need to bridge the gap between awareness and behaviour. Comprehensive educational initiatives and regulatory improvements are essential to reduce cardiovascular and systemic risks associated with inappropriate OTC medication use