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Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal =... Jul 2020Self-medication can lead to serious consequences but its overall prevalence in students is not known. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Self-medication can lead to serious consequences but its overall prevalence in students is not known.
AIMS
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-medication in students through a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the prevalence of self-medication in students across the world.
METHODS
PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI/Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched up to October 2017. Studies reporting the prevalence of self-treatment in university students were selected. Data recorded included year of publication, country where the study was conducted, sample size, prevalence of self-medication, sex and mean age of students, and faculty of students (medical or non-medical). A random-effect model was used to determine effect size with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity across studies was assessed with the I test. A sensitivity analysis assessed stability of the findings.
RESULTS
A total of 89 studies were included in the analysis, which comprised 60 938 students. The overall prevalence of self-medication in university students was 70.1% (95% CI: 64.3-75.4%). Female students self-medicated more often than male students: odds ratio = 1.45 (95% CI%: 1.17-1.79). The prevalence of self-medication in medical students (97.2%) was higher than in non-medical students (44.7%). The I test indicated high, statistically significant heterogeneity. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were stable.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of self-medication among students worldwide is high. Programmes on the risks of self-medication and increasing control and monitoring of the sale of drugs are recommended. Facilitating students' access to doctors and health centres could reduce self-medication in students.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Self Care; Self Medication; Students, Medical; Universities
PubMed: 32794171
DOI: 10.26719/emhj.20.052 -
Gaceta Medica de Mexico 2020Self-medication and self-prescription are actions undertaken by patients; the former, as an element of self-care that involves over-the-counter drugs, and the latter, as...
Self-medication and self-prescription are actions undertaken by patients; the former, as an element of self-care that involves over-the-counter drugs, and the latter, as a violation of the Statute of Health, since it includes drugs that can only be dispensed with a medical prescription. All the drawbacks that have been attributed to self-medication are actually associated with self-prescription. La automedicación y la autoprescripción son acciones de los pacientes; la primera como elemento del autocuidado que involucra medicamentos de venta libre y la segunda como una violación a la ley de salud, pues comprende medicamentos que solo pueden expenderse con receta. Todos los inconvenientes que se han atribuido a la automedicación en realidad lo son de la autoprescripción.
Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Humans; Prescription Drugs; Self Administration; Self Care; Self Medication
PubMed: 33877115
DOI: 10.24875/GMM.M21000456 -
Revista de Saude Publica Dec 2016To analyze the prevalence and associated factors regarding the use of medicines by self-medication in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the prevalence and associated factors regarding the use of medicines by self-medication in Brazil.
METHODS
This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted using data from the PNAUM (National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines), collected between September 2013 and February 2014 by interviews at the homes of the respondents. All people who reported using any medicines not prescribed by a doctor or dentist were classified as self-medication practitioners. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (Poisson regression) and their respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated in order to investigate the factors associated with the use of self-medication by medicines. The independent variables were: sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions and access to and use of health services. In addition, the most commonly consumed medicines by self-medication were individually identified.
RESULTS
The self-medication prevalence in Brazil was 16.1% (95%CI 15.0-17.5), with it being highest in the Northeast region (23.8%; 95%CI 21.6-26.2). Following the adjusted analysis, self-medication was observed to be associated with females, inhabitants from the North, Northeast and Midwest regions and individuals that have had one, or two or more chronic diseases. Analgesics and muscle relaxants were the therapeutic groups most used for self-medication, with dipyrone being the most consumed medicines. In general, most of the medicines used for self-medication were classified as non-prescriptive (65.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
Self-medication is common practice in Brazil and mainly involves the use of non-prescription medicines; therefore, the users of such should be made aware of the possible risks.
OBJETIVO
Analisar a prevalência e os fatores associados à utilização de medicamentos por automedicação no Brasil.
MÉTODOS
Este estudo transversal de base populacional foi realizado com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de medicamentos (PNAUM), coletados de setembro de 2013 a fevereiro de 2014, por meio de entrevistas em domicílio. Todas as pessoas que referiram usar qualquer medicamento sem prescrição por médico ou dentista foram classificadas como praticantes de automedicação. Foram calculadas razões de prevalência bruta e ajustada (regressão de Poisson) e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% na investigação dos fatores associados ao consumo de medicamentos por automedicação. As variáveis independentes foram: aspectos sociodemográficos, de condições de saúde e de acesso e utilização de serviços de saúde. Adicionalmente, foram identificados os medicamentos mais consumidos por automedicação.
RESULTADOS
A prevalência da automedicação no Brasil foi de 16,1% (IC95% 15,0-17,5), sendo maior na região Nordeste (23,8%; IC95% 21,6-26,2). Após análise ajustada, automedicação mostrou-se associada a ser do sexo feminino, pertencer às faixas etárias 10-19 anos, 20-29 anos, 40-59 anos e 60 anos ou mais, residir na região Norte, Nordeste ou Centro-Oeste, e ter uma ou duas ou mais doenças crônicas. Os analgésicos e os relaxantes musculares foram os grupos terapêuticos mais utilizados por automedicação, sendo a dipirona o fármaco mais consumido. No geral, a maioria dos medicamentos usados por automedicação foram classificados como isentos de prescrição (65,5%).
CONCLUSÕES
A automedicação é prática corrente no Brasil e envolve, principalmente, o uso de medicamentos isentos de prescrição, devendo os usuários ficarem atentos aos seus possíveis riscos.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Brazil; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Self Medication; Sex Distribution; Socioeconomic Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 27982373
DOI: 10.1590/S1518-8787.2016050006117 -
BMC Public Health Feb 2019Although over the counter (OTC) drugs are believed to be relatively safe, their inappropriate use could have serious implications. The aim of the study was to assess the...
BACKGROUND
Although over the counter (OTC) drugs are believed to be relatively safe, their inappropriate use could have serious implications. The aim of the study was to assess the practice of self-medication, prevalence of risky practice and its associated factors in pharmacy outlets of Asmara, Eritrea.
METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 609 customers in 20 pharmacy outlets in Asmara between August and September, 2017. Two-stage cluster sampling was employed and data were collected using a structured questionnaire through face to face exit interviews. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were performed using SPSS (version 22).
RESULTS
Of the 609 customers, 93.7% had practiced self-medication with OTC drugs; of which 81.8% were at risky practice. On average, each participant was using OTC drugs at least once a month (Median = 1, IQR = 3.67). Educational level (p < 0.0001), religion (p = 0.047), occupation (p = 0.027) and knowledge regarding OTC drugs (p = 0.019) were significantly associated with risky practice. Respondents with elementary and below educational level were fifteen times (AOR = 15.49, CI: 1.97, 121.80) at higher risk compared to those with higher education, and students were almost three times (AOR = 2.96, CI: 1.13, 7.73) at higher risk than governmental employees. Furthermore, respondents with below average score in knowledge were more likely to be engaged in risky practice (AOR = 1.83, CI: 1.11, 3.04) compared to those with above average score. The most frequently preferred OTC drug group was analgesics (34.3%) followed by antipyretics (15.7%) and cough and cold preparations (14.2%). About 14% of the respondents admitted that they had taken more than the recommended dose and 6.9% had experienced drug related problems following the consumption of OTC drugs. Always, 35% of the respondents read package insert(s) and 73.9% check expiry dates while purchasing OTC drugs. Refrigerating OTC drugs, where it is not recommended, was also one of the prominent risky practices.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed that inappropriate self-medication practice with OTC drugs was prevalent requiring early intervention to minimize the risks.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eritrea; Female; Health Risk Behaviors; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nonprescription Drugs; Pharmacies; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Self Medication; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 30727984
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6470-5 -
BMJ Open Mar 2023This study estimates the prevalence of self-medication and provides an understanding of the reasons for self-medication in Ghana through the synthesis of relevant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
This study estimates the prevalence of self-medication and provides an understanding of the reasons for self-medication in Ghana through the synthesis of relevant literature.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct and African Journals Online to identify observational studies published from inception to March 2022. Google scholar and institutional websites were searched for grey literature. We included studies reporting primary data on the prevalence and/or reasons for self-medication in Ghana. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the prevalence of self-medication. Subgroup analysis was performed with the study population (pregnant women, patients and students), geopolitical zone (coastal, middle and northern) and study setting (rural and urban). Using inductive thematic analysis, reasons for self-medication were classified and tallied under key themes.
RESULTS
Thirty studies involving 9271 participants were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of self-medication in Ghana was 53.7% (95% CI 46.2% to 61.0%; I²=98.51%, p<0.001). Prevalence of self-medication was highest among pregnant women (65.5%; 95% CI 58.1% to 72.5%; I=88%), in the middle belt of the country (62.1%; 95% CI 40.9% to 82.0%; I²=98%; p<0.001) and in rural settings (61.2%; 95% CI 36.5% to 84.5%; I²=98%; p<0.001). The most cited reasons for self-medication included long waiting time at health facilities (73.3%), previous use of drugs (66.7%) and the perceived unseriousness of diseases (53.3%).
CONCLUSION
This study has revealed that self-medication is still an unresolved public health challenge in Ghana, with a high prevalence estimate. Self-medication is influenced by inconveniences associated with accessing healthcare coupled with poor health seeking behaviours. There is the need for improved access to quality healthcare and the promotion of appropriate health-seeking behaviours.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Ghana; Prevalence; Self Medication; Health Behavior; Rural Population
PubMed: 36963791
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064627 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia... 2014Not responsible self-medication refers to drug use in high doses without rational indication and often associated with alcohol abuse. It can lead to liver damage and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Not responsible self-medication refers to drug use in high doses without rational indication and often associated with alcohol abuse. It can lead to liver damage and drug interactions, and may cause liver failure.
AIM
To warn about how the practice of self-medication can be responsible for acute liver failure.
METHOD
Were used the Medline via PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO and Lilacs, and additional information on institutional sites of interest crossing the headings acute liver failure [tiab] AND acetaminophen [tiab]; self-medication [tiab] AND acetaminophen [tiab]; acute liver failure [tiab] AND dietary supplements [tiab]; self-medication [tiab] AND liver failure [tiab] and self-medication [tiab] AND green tea [tiab]. In Lilacs and SciELO used the descriptor self medication in Portuguese and Spanish. From total surveyed were selected 27 articles and five sites specifically related to the purpose of this review.
CONCLUSIONS
Legislation and supervision disabled and information inaccessible to people, favors the emergence of cases of liver failure drug in many countries. In the list of released drugs that deserve more attention and care, are some herbal medicines used for the purpose of weight loss, and acetaminophen. It is recommended that institutes of health intensify supervision and better orient their populations on drug seemingly harmless, limiting the sale of products or requiring a prescription for release them.
Topics: Humans; Liver Failure, Acute; Self Medication
PubMed: 25626943
DOI: 10.1590/S0102-67202014000400016 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2022Attitudes towards conventional and complementary medicine among future healthcare professionals can impact their future pharmacotherapy practice. This study aimed to...
BACKGROUND
Attitudes towards conventional and complementary medicine among future healthcare professionals can impact their future pharmacotherapy practice. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predisposing factors related to self-medication among medical and pharmacy students.
METHODS
This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Serbia, on first- and final-year students of medicine and pharmacy. The multivariate Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to identify the main predictors of self-medication.
RESULTS
The overall self-medication prevalence in the past year was 81.3%. Independent risk factors for self-medication identified in the regression analysis were the final study year, housing condition, i.e., living in a leased apartment or in a student dormitory in comparison to living with parents, and cigarette consumption. The conventional drugs were the most frequently used, mostly for the symptoms of cold and pain. Final-year students had more confidence in conventional medicines than in herbal drugs and were more aware of the risks of their concomitant use.
CONCLUSION
Self-medication is highly prevalent among students of medical sciences, especially among final-year students. Increased medical knowledge led to the higher awareness of the drug interaction risks.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Self Medication; Serbia; Students, Medical; Students, Pharmacy
PubMed: 35162213
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031193 -
BMC Pharmacology & Toxicology Aug 2022Self-medication in students, as educated people, is one of the most important health issues. It is known that inappropriate self-medication is harmful for individuals as...
BACKGROUND
Self-medication in students, as educated people, is one of the most important health issues. It is known that inappropriate self-medication is harmful for individuals as it has potential risks, disrupts the drug market and increases the per capita financial drug consumption. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the habits related to drug use and the prevalence of self-medication practices among university students.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 at Jahrom universities/Iran, using an electronic "self-medication practices and medication habits" questionnaire. A total of 848 students from four healthcare and non-healthcare universities participated in the study.
RESULTS
The prevalence of self-medication among students was 44.8%. The most common medicines used for self-medication included cold remedies and sedatives that were used by 33% of the students. About 47% of students stated that they have used antibiotics without a physician's prescription. The internet and social networks were the source of information on self-medication in about 40% of students. There was no significant difference in self-medication between medical and non-medical students (OR = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.659-1.134). Self-medication in students with underlying disease was higher than students without underlying disease (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.39-5.60).
CONCLUSIONS
Self-medication had a high prevalence among students. The best strategy to reduce or eliminate self-medication is to raise students' awareness and knowledge about potential risk of self-medication practices.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Iran; Self Medication; Students; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities
PubMed: 35941706
DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00602-5 -
Inquiry : a Journal of Medical Care... 2023To evaluate the prevalence, influencing factors, and behavior rules of self-medication in children. Articles on self-medication in children from various electronic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To evaluate the prevalence, influencing factors, and behavior rules of self-medication in children. Articles on self-medication in children from various electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, the WHO website (https://www.who.int/), ABI, CNKI, and Wanfang), were searched to August 2022. The single-group meta-analyses of the prevalence, influencing factors, and behavior rules of self-medication in children were performed using Revman 5.3 and Stata 16.0. The overall pooled prevalence of self-medication in children was 57% (95% CI: 0.39-0.75, = 100%, < .00001 = 6.22). The pooled prevalence for main influencing factors, in terms of caregivers, was: 73% (95% CI: 0.72-0.75, = 100%, < .00001, = 111.18) for those in rural areas; 55% (95% CI: 0.51-0.59, = .04, = 26.92, = 68%, < .00001) for females; 75% (95% CI: 0.74-0.76, = 68%, < .00001, = 106.66) for those whose income was less than 716 dollars; 77% (95% CI: 0.75-0.79, = 99%, < .000001, = 92.59) for the middle-aged and elderly; and 72% (95% CI: 0.58-87, = 99%, < .00001, = 9.82) for those with a degree below bachelor. In the process of self-medication for children, 19% (95% CI: 0.06-0.32, = 99%, < .00001, = 2.82) of the caregivers did not read the instructions, 28% (95% CI: -0.03-0.60, = 100%, < .000001, = 1.77) neglected adverse effects, 49% (95% CI: 0.11-0.87, = 100%, = .01, = 2.51) spontaneously increased or decreased the dosages, 49% (95% CI: 0.48-0.55, = 65%, < .00001, = 16.51) had an awareness of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and 41% (95% CI: 0.18-0.64, = 99%, < .00001, = 3.49) misrecognized the antibiotics. Self-medication for children was common, although the overall prevalence was not very high. The prevalence of self-medication in children was relatively higher among those caregivers who were female, rural, had low-income, were elder, or had a degree below bachelor. Common behaviors during self-medication in children included spontaneous dose increase or decrease, a lack of awareness of OTC drugs, and misconception of antibiotics. Government departments should formulate corresponding policies to provide quality health education resources for the caregivers of children.
Topics: Aged; Middle Aged; Humans; Female; Child; Male; Self Medication; Nonprescription Drugs; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Prevalence; Poverty
PubMed: 36998210
DOI: 10.1177/00469580231159744 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2017Self-medication can cause significant challenges for the individuals and community, especially in women during pregnancy. This study was aimed to compare the prevalence...
INTRODUCTION
Self-medication can cause significant challenges for the individuals and community, especially in women during pregnancy. This study was aimed to compare the prevalence of self-medication before and during pregnancy among women in Iran.
METHODS
in this cross-sectional study, a total of 384 pregnant women were evaluated for the prevalence of self-medication and its associated factors before and during pregnancy. Stratified random sampling was used as the sampling method. Descriptive statistics and chi-square and logistic regression tests were used for statistical analysis of data.
RESULTS
The results showed that the prevalence of self-medication, in women who had become ill at least once, was 63.9% before pregnancy and 43.5% and during pregnancy. Variables such as lack of insurance, high school education and not having a child increased odds ratio of self-medication before pregnancy, while the variables of lack of insurance, not having a child or fewer number of children and no history of abortion increased the odds ratio of self-medication during pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
Although the prevalence of self-medication during pregnancy was less than that before pregnancy, but this prevalence during pregnancy was still significant. Therefore, it seems necessary to provide public trainings for all women of reproductive age and train them about the dangers and side effects of self-medication.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Insurance, Health; Iran; Logistic Models; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Self Medication; Young Adult
PubMed: 28904710
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2017.27.183.10030