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PloS One 2019Self-medication is the use of any drug or medication to treat an illness or ailment without the supervision of a licensed medical doctor/health care providers....
BACKGROUND
Self-medication is the use of any drug or medication to treat an illness or ailment without the supervision of a licensed medical doctor/health care providers. Self-medication practice in Eastern Ethiopia is quite common. However, there is little information with regard to magnitude and associated factors. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of self-medication practice and associated factors among adult community members of Jigjiga town, Eastern Ethiopia.
METHODS
A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 27- July 12, 2017. Multistage sampling method was used and the number of kebeles and Sub-kebeles were selected using simple random sampling technique. Finally, sampled households in the Sub-kebeles were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using face to face interview with 547 adult (≥18 years) participants. It was entered and cleaned using EPI-Data version 3.02 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 23 for further analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were carried out to identify factors associated with the self-medication.
RESULT
The magnitude of self-medication was found to be 37.5% (95% CI: (33.6%-41.7%). Educational status of secondary school [(AOR = 0.46; 95% CI: (0.22-0.98)], high income [(AOR = 3.00; 95% CI: (1.77-5.06)], advised by neighbors, friends or relatives to take drug for their complaint [(AOR = 2.59; 95% CI: (1.62-4.14)], used old prescription /past experience to bought drugs [(AOR = 12.19; 95% CI: (6.65-22.35)], follow advertisements of drugs by television [(AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: (0.05-0.85)], and perception about Hospital drugs (clinics, health centers and hospitals) do not work [(AOR = 2.36; 95% CI: (1.39-3.99)] were significantly associated with self-medication.
CONCLUSION
High income, advice by neighbors, friends or relatives to take drug for their complaint, old prescription/past experience use to bought drugs, and perception of hospital drugs do not work was positively associated with self-medication. Therefore, health education should be given to the community on the importance of hospital drugs (clinics, health centers and hospitals) to shift their perception.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Female; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Self Medication; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 31251745
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218772 -
PloS One 2021Previous studies have assessed the prevalence and characteristics of self-medication in COVID-19. However, no systematic review has summarized their findings.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have assessed the prevalence and characteristics of self-medication in COVID-19. However, no systematic review has summarized their findings.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review to assess the prevalence of self-medication to prevent or manage COVID-19.
METHODS
We used different keywords and searched studies published in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, two preprint repositories, Google, and Google Scholar. We included studies that reported original data and assessed self-medication to prevent or manage COVID-19. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) modified for cross-sectional studies.
RESULTS
We identified eight studies, all studies were cross-sectional, and only one detailed the question used to assess self-medication. The recall period was heterogeneous across studies. Of the eight studies, seven assessed self-medication without focusing on a specific symptom: four performed in the general population (self-medication prevalence ranged between <4% to 88.3%) and three in specific populations (range: 33.9% to 51.3%). In these seven studies, the most used medications varied widely, including antibiotics, chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, acetaminophen, vitamins or supplements, ivermectin, and ibuprofen. The last study only assessed self-medication for fever due to COVID-19. Most studies had a risk of bias in the "representativeness of the sample" and "assessment of outcome" items of the NOS.
CONCLUSIONS
Studies that assessed self-medication for COVID-19 found heterogeneous results regarding self-medication prevalence and medications used. More well-designed and adequately reported studies are warranted to assess this topic.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fever; Humans; Prevalence; Self Medication; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 34727126
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259317 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jan 2020Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is an important public health concern, especially in the vulnerable population of pregnant women due to potential risks...
BACKGROUND
Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is an important public health concern, especially in the vulnerable population of pregnant women due to potential risks to both the mother and fetus. Few studies have studied how factors, such as knowledge, affect self-medication. This study investigated self-medication and its associated factors among pregnant women attending healthcare services in Malang, Indonesia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2018 in five healthcare services. A self-administered questionnaire was used and the data were analyzed using multiple regression models.
RESULTS
Of 333 female participants, 39 (11.7%) used OTC medication. Women with a higher level of knowledge of OTC medication were more likely to self-medicate-adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-4.46. Compared with those with less knowledge, pregnant women with more correct knowledge of the possible risk of self-medication were less likely to self-medicate-aOR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.14-0.60. The effect of a higher level of knowledge of OTC medication was significant among women who had middle school and lower education-aOR = 8.18; 95% CI = 1.70-39.35. The effect of correct knowledge on the possible risks of self-medication was significant only among women with high school and higher education-aOR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.07-0.42.
CONCLUSION
Imparting specific knowledge of the potential risks of using non-prescribed medication during pregnancy may help pregnant women navigate and more safely manage their OTC use. We also suggest further collecting data from more healthcare services, such as hospitals, to obtain more findings generalizable to the Indonesian community.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Indonesia; Nonprescription Drugs; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Prenatal Care; Primary Health Care; Self Medication; Young Adult
PubMed: 31948428
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-2736-2 -
BMC Research Notes Jul 2017Pharmacology teaches rational prescribing. Self-medication among medical students is recognised as a threat to rational prescribing. Antibiotic self-medication could...
OBJECTIVE
Pharmacology teaches rational prescribing. Self-medication among medical students is recognised as a threat to rational prescribing. Antibiotic self-medication could cause antibiotic resistance among medical students. We aimed to find an association between pharmacology education and antibiotic self-medication.
RESULTS
Overall, 39% [(110/285) 95% CI 32.9-44.3] of students were found to have antibiotic self-medication. The percentage for antibiotic self-medication progressively increased with the year of study. The percentage of antibiotic self-medication was significantly high in the "Formal Pharmacology Education" group (47%-77/165) in comparison to the "No Formal Pharmacology Education" group (28%-33/120) (P = 0.001032). Overall, the most common self-prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin (56%-62/110).
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Pharmacology; Self Medication; Sri Lanka; Students, Medical; Young Adult
PubMed: 28750649
DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2688-4 -
Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia =... Feb 2019Self-medication involves the concept of the spontaneous search by the individual for some drug that he or she considers appropriate to solve a health problem....
INTRODUCTION
Self-medication involves the concept of the spontaneous search by the individual for some drug that he or she considers appropriate to solve a health problem. Self-medication practice is little explored by the elderly according to other studies based in population data.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the trends in self-medication practice among the Brazilian elderly between 2006 and 2010.
METHODS
This is a population-based study whose data were obtained from the Health, Well-being and Ageing Study (SABE Study). Thesample consisted of 1,257 elderly people in 2006 and 865 in 2010, who used drugs.
RESULTS
The findings showed self-medication reduction from 42.3% in 2006 to 18.2% in 2010. In both periods, predominant utilized therapeutic classes were those acting on the nervous system (27.9% in 2006, and 29.6% in 2010) and on the alimentary tract and metabolism (25.5% in 2006, and 35.9% in 2010). The most commonly used medicines in 2006 and 2010 were analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and vitamins. There was a tendency to decrease the use of potentially inappropriate medicines between 2006 (26.4%) and 2010 (18.1%). The elderly themselves were the main responsible for the decision about the drug use in 2006 (62.5%) and 2010 (66.5%).
CONCLUSION
Theextent of self-medication practice among the elderly who participated in the study decreased between 2006 and 2010, but the use of medicines that offer risks to health was still reported. Thus, the findings reinforce the importance of monitoring, evaluating, and continuously educating the elderly about risks and benefits of drug consumption, particularly over-the-counter medicines.
Topics: Age Distribution; Age Factors; Aged; Brazil; Female; Health Status; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nonprescription Drugs; Polypharmacy; Reference Values; Risk Factors; Self Medication; Sex Distribution; Socioeconomic Factors; Time Factors
PubMed: 30726352
DOI: 10.1590/1980-549720180007.supl.2 -
Anales de Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain :... May 2017Self-prescribing or medicating 'by proxy' is not an autonomous, free and voluntary decision in the case of children. On the contrary, in this case it is based on the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
Self-prescribing or medicating 'by proxy' is not an autonomous, free and voluntary decision in the case of children. On the contrary, in this case it is based on the subjective interpretation of symptoms made by the mother or by a third person who is legally responsible for the minor. In our opinion, to analyse this situation is of great importance in order to know the determining factors, perceptions, and realities related to this problem.
METHODS
Our proposal is to perform a prospective observational study for analysing maternal and familiar determinant factors related to self-prescribing and self-medicating 'by proxy' in paediatrics. A validated survey was developed to be applied to mothers of children aged 0 to 14 who are users of the Paediatric Emergency Department in a hospital.
RESULTS
A total of 1,714 mothers were recruited in a random period of time. This sample included 345 mothers who exclusively self-medicated their children (case group), and 1,369 mothers (control group) who did not meet this requirement. The overall percentage of medicating 'by proxy' was 32.8%. There is a significant association between self-medicating and educational level of the mother, the number of children, and the birth order among siblings. Neither maternal age nor social-occupational level are related to this problem. Most frequently used drugs include antipyretics and 'anticatharrals', usually administered as a monotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results seem to indicate that the educational level and the parental experience acquired with previous children could generate the required confidence in parents to choose the medication by themselves. Almost 85% of these drugs come from the 'home first-aid kit.'
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Parents; Prospective Studies; Self Medication; Self Report
PubMed: 27422815
DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2016.06.002 -
International Journal of Public Health 2022This work sets out to find the relationship between taking non-prescribed drugs and predisposing, enabling and need factors. Specifically, our main aim is to find the...
This work sets out to find the relationship between taking non-prescribed drugs and predisposing, enabling and need factors. Specifically, our main aim is to find the relationship between taking non-prescribed drugs and the lack of health care. We used data from the last 2019 National Health Survey and estimate logistic regressions for the whole sample and stratified by sex. The most striking finding is that people self-medicating with non-prescribed drugs seem to be replacing health care when this is not used because of financial constraints or distance from provider. This suggests that non-prescribed drugs are a fast, affordable, alternative to health care. Other findings show that income and the financial resources to cope with unexpected expenditure are considerations in taking these drugs. Health and needs are other factors triggering their consumption. Policy measures need to be aimed at improving access to medical care, providing responses to health needs such as those arising from chronic pain, and improving health literacy.
Topics: Humans; Portugal; Self Medication; Health Facilities; Health Expenditures; Adaptation, Psychological
PubMed: 36419733
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604852 -
PloS One 2018Self-medication (SM) is one part of self-care which is known to contribute to primary health care. If practiced appropriately, it has major benefits for the consumers...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Self-medication (SM) is one part of self-care which is known to contribute to primary health care. If practiced appropriately, it has major benefits for the consumers such as self-reliance and decreased expense. However, inappropriate practice can have potential dangers such as incorrect self-diagnosis, dangerous drug-drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease, and/or risk of dependence and abuse. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of the self-medication practice (SMP) in Addis Ababa.
METHODOLOGY
A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among selected households in Addis Ababa from April 2016 to May 2016, with a recall period of two months before its conduction. Trained data collectors were employed to collect the data from the 604 sampled participants using pre-tested and validated questionnaires.
RESULT
Among the 604 participants involved in this study, 422 (69.9%) were female and 182 (30.1%) were male and there was a mean age of 41.04 (± 13.45) years. The prevalence of SM in this study was 75.5%. The three most frequently reported ailments were headache 117 (25.7%), abdominal pain 59 (12.9%) and cough 54 (11.8%). The two main reasons for SM were mildness of illness 216 (47.4%) and previous knowledge about the drug 106 (23.2%). The two most frequently consumed medications were paracetamol 92 (20.2%) and traditional remedies 73 (16.0%), while drug retail outlets 319 (83.3%) were the main source of drugs. The two most frequently reported source of drug information were health professionals 174 (45.4%) and experience from previous treatment 82 (21.4%). Moreover, there were statistically significant differences among respondents who reported practicing SM based on income and knowledge about appropriate SMP.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Self-medication was practiced with a range of drugs from the conventional paracetamol and NSAIDs to antimicrobials. Being that the practice of SM is inevitable, health authorities and professionals are highly demanded to educate the public not only on the advantages and disadvantages of SM but on its proper use.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Self Medication; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 29579074
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194122 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2022self-medication involves the use of medicines without the input of health professionals. Available studies are not entirely conclusive on self-medication among health...
INTRODUCTION
self-medication involves the use of medicines without the input of health professionals. Available studies are not entirely conclusive on self-medication among health science versus non-health science university students. The current study therefore sought to investigate relevant aspects of self-medication among pharmacy and non-pharmacy students.
METHODS
this quantitative cross-sectional research was conducted among undergraduate pharmacy and non-pharmacy students of the University of Ghana from October 1 2019 to December 6 2019. Using a questionnaire, interviews were conducted to assess the pattern and attitude towards self-medication among respondents within the last 2 months.
RESULTS
a total of 337 (163 pharmacy and 174 non-pharmacy) students filled and completed questionnaires. The prevalence of self-medication was 55.2% for pharmacy and 51.1% for non-pharmacy students. Both pharmacy and non-pharmacy students were either accepting or ambivalent towards self-medication. Painkillers were the major class of medications that were self-medicated by both pharmacy (38.5%) and non-pharmacy students (30.7%). The most common reason for self-medication among pharmacy (62.2%) and non-pharmacy (56.2%) students was the need for rapid relief from an illness. Majority of the participants who were self-medicated (27.6% among non-pharmacy and 36.8% among pharmacy students) demonstrated ambivalent attitude towards self-medication. An increase in the study level reduced the likelihood of self-medication in both pharmacy and non-pharmacy students: OR=0.442, CI = 0.266-0.736 for pharmacy students and OR=0.671, CI = 0.456-0.987 for non-pharmacy students.
CONCLUSION
self-medication is common students of the University of Ghana. Prevalence of self-medication was higher among pharmacy students than non-pharmacy students. This study provides data for targeted education and sensitisation of self-medication among university students.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Pharmacy; Self Medication; Students, Pharmacy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities
PubMed: 35734338
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2022.41.254.31013 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2022Self-medication has become a common phenomenon. Economic factors are important factors that affect the self-medication of residents. This study aimed to investigate the...
BACKGROUND
Self-medication has become a common phenomenon. Economic factors are important factors that affect the self-medication of residents. This study aimed to investigate the current status of self-medication behaviors in China and explored the related factors affecting considerations associated with medical insurance reimbursement or drug price in self-medication.
METHODS
A national cross-sectional investigation was conducted among Chinese people over 18 years old under a multi-stage sampling method through a questionnaire, which includes demographic sociological characteristics, self-medication behaviors and scales. The Chi-square test was used to analyze whether the respondents consider medical insurance reimbursement or drug price as an important factor when purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Logistic regression was used to examine the associated factors of considering medical insurance reimbursement or drug price.
RESULTS
In total, 9256 respondents were included in this study; 37.52% of the respondents regarded drug prices as an important consideration, and 28.53% of the respondents attached great importance to medical insurance reimbursement. Elderly respondents who lived in the central region, had medical insurance, and had lower levels of health literacy were more likely to consider the medical insurance reimbursement, while respondents with high monthly family income as well as students were less likely to consider the same issue ( < 0.05). Respondents settled in the central and western regions, students, those without fixed occupations, those who suffered from chronic diseases, or those with lower health literacy were more likely to consider drug prices, while the respondents with bachelor degrees, urban population and high per capita monthly income were less likely to consider the drug prices ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Self-medication behaviors with OTC drugs were prevalent in China, and consideration factors of medical insurance reimbursement or drug prices were related to socio-demographic characteristics and health literacy. There is a need to take measures to reduce the economic burden of self-medication, improve the health literacy of residents and strengthen public health education.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Self Medication; Nonprescription Drugs; China; Insurance
PubMed: 36360638
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113754