The behavior in a sample of the urban population from Juiz de Fora-MG before self-medication

Abstract

Self-medication is defined as the use of drugs without medical prescription or guidance.  Inadequate self-medication may lead to untoward iatrogenic effects.  This study investigated the prevalence of self-medication in an urban sample from the city of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.  Other features such as the most commonly purchased drugs, the most common symptoms, and the customers`age range and educational level were investigated.  A 13-question semi-structured questionnaire was applied to 165 randomly selected residents (aged over 18 years) of the city of Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.  66.2% used self-medication in the previous year, with no difference concerning sex and age.  45% of these had finished secondary school and 19% had a college degree.  Analgesics were the most frequently purchased drugs, and pain the most common complaint.  Purchase was predominantly over the counter, and 65.2% found a medical consultation unnecessary. Self-medication led to symptomatic relief without complications.  Among those who do not use self-medication, knowledge and worry about this habit are greater, as well as the habit of datasheet reading.  The relative ease with which drugs are obtained over the counter should be an issue for the regulating bodies.  Confidence in self-medication is worrying, chiefly against the background of a relevant number of people complaining of difficulty to see a doctor.  Information campaigns warning against the risks of self-medication, and easier access to medical consultations are necessary.
 
Key-words: Self-medication.  Over-the-counter medications.  Urban population