Jorge Loría CJ, Soria HA, Fernández RDE, Arroyo JLE, Chable CFG, Toriz CJO, Celis GE, Bautista SPR, Valle JJA, Ramírez DZ, Santos PE, Pérez BE

Language: Spanish
References: 15
Page: 92-96
PDF size: 172.31 Kb.

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency and factors related to the practice of self medication in patients who receive different emergency services in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City. Methods: An observational study which included 3,114 patients attending the Emergency Department of 12 medical units in the Metropolitan Area. Informed consent were administered a survey designed expressly where he investigated the use of medication. We used descriptive statistics and odds ratios. Results: The mean age was 48.77 years (± 13.32). Schooling was usually secondary to 27.78%. The 51.73% of respondents referred to self-medication use at least every 6 months and 14.9% each week. The use of antibiotics (38.21%) and analgesics (35.64%) predominated. Relatives (29.6%) and the patient (28.88%) are those preferentially prescribed medications. Lack of time to seek medical care was the main reason to resort to self-medication (67.63%). Gastrointestinal symptoms (32.9%) were the most favored use of drugs. 63.9% of respondents felt that self-administered drugs improved their table. Only 7.19% read the instructions. The main reason for self-medication was not enough time to see a doctor. The odds-ratio determination no association to the use of medication with the factors of respiratory system disease (4.21), high school education (3.11), have no doctor (3.27), do not have time to go to the same (2.98) and not having money to care (1.89). Conclusions: The frequency of self-medication in this population is higher than those recommended by the World Health Organization. It will be necessary to establish strategies that involve patients, doctors and authorities in order to reduce the use of medication.

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