Self-medication with analgesics reported by patients with ulcerative colitis: An anonymous survey.

INTRODUCTION: Analgesics are widely used, but evidence regarding whether their use increases the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares or complications is unclear. Therefore, self-medication with analgesics in IBD is usually not recommended. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of self-medication with analgesics in a cohort of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and to identify reasons and factors associated with self-medication. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included consecutive unselected adult patients with UC. Participants were asked to complete an anonymous web-based survey with multiple-choice questions and closed responses. No clinical data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 546 patients (61.2% women, mean age 39.9 years) completed the survey. The prevalence of self-medication with analgesics was 49.8% (272/546). Paracetamol (45.2%) and metamizole (21.2%) were the most frequently used drugs; frequencies of self-medication were <5% for other analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids). The most frequent reasons for self-medication were the need for quick symptom relief and that it had been agreed with/prescribed by the treating physician. Multivariable analysis identified female sex (odds ratio [OR]=1.9), sick leave (OR=2.2), treatment with intravenous drugs (OR=2.9), and emergency room visit (OR=2.3) as variables associated with self-medication, whilst follow-up by a nurse was associated with less self-medication (OR=0.6). CONCLUSION: The frequency of self-medication with analgesics in UC patients is high and appears to be associated with variables suggesting worse disease control. Closer follow-up, including a specialized nurse, could decrease self-medication. Strategies to improve disease control, including close monitoring of symptoms such as pain, are needed.

Self-medication Hypothesis and Family Socialization Theory: Examining Independent and Common Mechanisms Responsible for Binge Drinking.

For many, binge drinking behaviors start early and become a persistent pattern of use throughout the lifespan. In an effort to strengthen understanding of etiology, this study considered the mechanisms from the self-medication hypothesis and family socialization theory. The goal was to identify whether emotional distress is a potential shared mechanism that accounts for the development of binge drinking in different developmental periods. This study used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) dataset to examine binge drinking across time for n = 9,421 participants ranging in age from 11 to 18 (M = 15.39, SD = 1.62) at Wave I and ranging from 24 to 32 (M = 28.09, SD = 1.61) at Wave IV of the study. Using an autoregressive cross-lagged model, I examined how parent-child closeness, depressive symptoms, and binge drinking were related over three developmental periods. In examining cross-sectional and longitudinal relations, depressive symptoms were significantly related to binge drinking more often than parent-child closeness; however, results indicated the self-medication model may primarily account for concurrent drinking behaviors rather than long-term. The family socialization theory was indicated to account for some variability above and beyond the self-medication hypothesis. No indirect association between binge drinking and the parent-child relationship was detected through depressive symptoms, failing to support a shared mechanism between the two theories. The results provide support for a multifaceted assessment process for substance using clients, and support the use of Multisystemic Family Therapy, Multidimensional Family Therapy, and perhaps Attachment-Based Family Therapy.

Para muchos, las conductas de consumo de alcohol compulsivo comienzan temprano y se convierten en un patrón de uso persistente durante toda la vida. En un esfuerzo para fortalecer el entendimiento de la etiología, este estudio consideró los mecanismos desde el punto de vista de la hipótesis de automedicación y la teoría de socialización familiar. La meta fue identificar si la angustia emocional es un posible mecanismo compartido que explica el desarrollo de consumo de alcohol compulsivo en periodos de desarrollo distintos. Este estudio empleó el conjunto de datos del Estudio Longitudinal Nacional de Salud de Adolescentes a Adultos (conocido como Add Health) para examinar el consumo de alcohol compulsivo a lo largo del tiempo para n = 9.421 participantes con edades de 11 a 18 (M = 15.39, DE = 1.62) en la Fase I y de 24 a 32 (M = 28.09, DE = 1.61) en la Fase IV del estudio. Usando un modelo autorregresivo de correlaciones cruzadas, examiné como la cercanía padre-hijo, los síntomas depresivos y el consumo de alcohol compulsivo se relacionaban a lo largo de tres periodos de desarrollo. En un examen de relaciones transversales y longitudinales, los síntomas depresivos se asociaron significativamente al consumo de alcohol compulsivo con mayor frecuencia que la cercanía padre-hijo; sin embargo, los resultados indicaron que el modelo de automedicación podría ser una explicación principal de conductas concurrentes de consumo de alcohol en vez de a largo plazo. La teoría de socialización familiar se indicó con miras a explicar cierta variabilidad más allá de la hipótesis de automedicación. No se detectó ninguna asociación indirecta entre el consumo de alcohol compulsivo y la relación padre-hijo a través de síntomas depresivos, lo que no proporciona apoyo a un mecanismo compartido entre las dos teorías. Los resultados proporcionan apoyo a un proceso de evaluación multifacética para clientes consumidores de sustancias, y apoya el uso de Terapia Familiar Multisistémica, Terapia Familiar Multidimensional, y quizás Terapia Familiar Basada en Apegos.

Self-medication and self-prescription.

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.

Health care-seeking behaviours and health expenditures in adults aged 45 years and older in China, 2011-2013.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an assessment of China's progress to universal health coverage (UHC) from the perspective of people-centred care. METHODS: We obtained data on 28 103 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHALRS) during 2011-2013. We used logistic regressions and generalised linear models to analyse care-seeking behaviours and medical expenditures. RESULTS: We found that 95.5% of the subjects were covered by social health insurance in 2013, and nearly 60% subjects in need of medical care were self-medicated. Health insurance was a strong predictor for the access to outpatient care. Use of pure and mixed self-medication increased by 15% and 32% respectively, while use of pure outpatient care fell by 10% between 2011 and 2013, after adjusting for predisposing, service needs and enabling factors. Such trends were particularly evident for the Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance and the New Cooperative Medical Scheme, which covered more than 80%. The monthly out-of-pocket medical expenditures and the probability of encountering catastrophic health expenditures for outpatient care were four times larger than that for self-medication. Between 2011 and 2013, outpatient care medical costs rose by nearly 50%, whereas there was no such obvious trend for self-medication. People with insurance schemes offering lower cost sharing incurred consistently higher out-of-pocket outpatient payments. CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring of global progress to UHC should incorporate self-medication. In China, it seems that the current reform and the huge government investment have not resulted in access to affordable quality care. To achieve UHC, not only universal insurance, but system-level efforts are needed.

Prevalence and correlates of antibiotic sharing in the Philippines: antibiotic misconceptions and community-level access to non-medical sources of antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE: To identify sociodemographic, knowledge and attitudinal correlates to antibiotic sharing among a community-based sample of adults (age 18 and older) in a low-income setting of the Philippines and to explore community-level data on informal antibiotic distribution in roadside stands (i.e., sari-sari stands). METHODS: Participants (n = 307) completed self-administered surveys. Correlates to antibiotic sharing were assessed using logistic regression with Firth's bias-adjusted estimates. Study staff also visited 106 roadside stands and collected data on availability and characteristics of antibiotics in the stands. RESULTS: 78% had shared antibiotics in their lifetime, most often with family members. In multivariable analysis, agreement with the belief that it is safe to prematurely stop an antibiotic course (OR: 2.8, CI: 1.3-5.8) and concerns about antibiotic side effects (OR: 2.1, CI: 1.1-4.4) were significantly associated with increased odds of reported antibiotic sharing. Antibiotic sharing was not associated with sociodemographic characteristics or antibiotic knowledge. Antibiotics were widely available in 60% of sampled sari-sari stands, in which 59% of antibiotics were missing expiration dates. Amoxicillin and cephalexin were the most commonly available antibiotics for sale at the stands (60% and 21%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic sharing was common and was associated with misconceptions about proper antibiotic use. Antibiotics were widely available in sari-sari stands, and usually without expiration information. This study suggests that multipronged and locally tailored approaches to curbing informal antibiotic access are needed in the Philippines and similar Southeast-Asian countries.

Soil-transmitted helminths in southern highland Rwanda: associated factors and effectiveness of school-based preventive chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: Preventive chemotherapy of schoolchildren against soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) is widely implemented in Rwanda. However, data on its actual efficacy are lacking. We assessed prevalence, associated factors and manifestation of STH infection among schoolchildren in southern highland Rwanda as well as cure and reinfection rates. METHODS: Six hundred and twenty-two children (rural, 301; urban, 321) were included preceding the administration of a single dose of 500 mg mebendazole. Before treatment, and after 2 and 15 weeks, STH infection was determined by Kato-Katz smears and by PCR assays for Ascaris lumbricoides. Clinical and anthropometric data, socio-economic status and factors potentially associated with STH infection were assessed. RESULTS: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection was present in 38% of rural and in 13% of urban schoolchildren. Ascaris lumbricoides accounted for 96% of infections. Of these, one-third was detected by PCR exclusively. Factors associated with STH infection differed greatly between rural and urban children. Likewise, STH infection was associated with stunting and anaemia only among urban children. The cure rate after 2 weeks was 92%. Among eight non-cleared A. lumbricoides infections, seven were submicroscopic. Reinfection within 3 months occurred in 7%, but the rate was higher among rural children, and with initially present infection, particularly at comparatively high intensity. CONCLUSIONS: The rural-urban difference in factors associated with STH infection and in reinfection rates highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce transmission. PCR assays may help in detecting low-level infections persisting after treatment. In southern Rwanda, mebendazole is highly effective against the STH infections predominated by A. lumbricoides.

Self-reported PTSD is associated with increased use of MDMA in adolescents with substance use disorders.

Background: Adolescent patients with a substance use disorder (SUD) often fulfil the criteria for a co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is not clear if these dual-diagnosed adolescents present with unique levels of substance use and how their substance use relates to PTSD symptom clusters. Objective: To investigate substance use in adolescents with co-occurring PTSD and SUD. Additionally, we explored how the use of specific substances is related to specific PTSD symptom clusters. Method: We recruited n = 121 German adolescent SUD patients, in three groups: no history of traumatic events (TEs) (n = 35), TEs but not PTSD (n = 48), probable PTSD (n = 38). All groups were administered a trauma questionnaire and were asked to report their past-month substance use. Results: Adolescents with probable PTSD and SUD report a higher frequency of MDMA use than adolescents with no PTSD and no TE (PTSD vs. noTE: U = 510.5, p = .016; PTSD vs. TE: U = 710.0, p = .010). The use of MDMA was more frequent in adolescents with avoidance symptoms (X2 (1) = 6.0, p = .014). Participants report using substances at a younger age (PTSD vs. noTE: U = 372.0, p = .001; PTSD vs. TE: U = 653.5, p = .022) and PTSD symptom onset was on average 2.2 years earlier than first MDMA use (t (26) = -2.89, p = .008). Conclusions: Adolescent SUD patients with probable PTSD are more likely to use MDMA than SUD patients without PTSD. The use of MDMA was associated with reported avoidance symptoms. The first age of MDMA use is initiated after PTSD onset. It is unclear whether the association of MDMA use with avoidance symptoms is due to efforts to reduce these symptoms or a result of regular MDMA use.

Antecedentes: Los pacientes adolescentes con un trastorno por uso de sustancias (TUS) a menudo cumplen los criterios para un trastorno de estrés postraumático concurrente (TEPT). Sin embargo, no está claro si estos adolescentes con diagnóstico dual presentan niveles únicos de consumo de sustancias y cómo su consumo de sustancias se relaciona con los conglomerados de síntomas del TEPT.Objetivo: Investigar el uso de sustancias en adolescentes con concurrencia de TEPT y TUS. Además, exploramos cómo el uso de sustancias específicas se relaciona con grupos específicos de síntomas de TEPT.Método: Reclutamos un n=121 pacientes adolescentes alemanes con TUS, en tres grupos: sin antecedentes de eventos traumáticos (no ETs) (n=35), ETs pero no TEPT (n=48), probable TEPT (n=38). A todos los grupos se les administró un cuestionario sobre traumas y se les pidió que informaran sobre su consumo de sustancias durante el mes anterior.Resultados: Los adolescentes con probable TEPT y TUS informan una mayor frecuencia de uso de MDMA que los adolescentes sin TEPT y sin ETs (TEPT versus no ETs: U= 510.5, p= .016; TEPT versus ETs: U= 710.0, p=.010). El uso de MDMA fue más frecuente en adolescentes con síntomas de evitación (X² (1) = 6.0, p = .014). Los participantes informan que consumen sustancias a una edad más temprana (TEPT versus no ETs: U= 372.0, p= .001; TEPT frente a TE: U= 653.5, p= .022) y el inicio de los síntomas del TEPT fue en promedio 2.2 años antes del primer uso de MDMA (t (26) = −2.89, p = .008).Conclusiones: Los pacientes adolescentes con TUS con probable TEPT son más propensos a usar MDMA que los pacientes con TUS sin TEPT. El uso de MDMA se asoció con el reporte de síntomas de evitación. La primera edad de uso de MDMA se inicia después del inicio del TEPT. No está claro si la asociación del uso de MDMA con los síntomas de evitación se debe a los esfuerzos por reducir estos síntomas o al resultado del uso regular de MDMA.

[Oral antibiotic request without prescription in community pharmacies. Description of pharmacists' intervention]. / Demanda de antibióticos sin prescripción en la farmacia comunitaria. Descripción de la intervención del farmacéutico.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the proportion of oral antibiotics requests without prescription in Community Pharmacy (CP) and to analyse it causes. METHOD: Cross-sectional multicentre study carried out in Spanish community pharmacies during 4 weeks, one in each season of the year. Oral J01 antibiotics (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification, ATC) requested for self-medication were analysed. RESULTS: 247 pharmacies and 365 pharmacists participated in the study, 1172 antibiotic requests were recorded. More frequent requests for antibiotic self-medication were: previous treatment for the same symptoms (63.1%), insufficient time for a general practitioner (GP) consultation (12.1%) and patient belief that GP is going to prescribe the antibiotic (4.9%). Higher number of generic medication were requested compared to brand medication (41.1 versus 34.9%). Active ingredients commonly requested were amoxicillin (28.2%), amoxicillin-clavulanic (14.9%) and phosphomycin (21.8%) to treat upper respiratory related infections (35.1%), urinary infections (28.1%) and teeth infections (20.2%). 2406 pharmacists' interventions were carried out: referring to the GP (40.8%), information for correct use of medication (31.3%), non-pharmacological treatment (15.7%), and recommendation of a different medication (6.9%) or a different product (5.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Nowadays higher number of active ingredients than brands are requested when selecting a treatment for an infection, mainly ß-lactams and macrolides. Majority of self-medication tried to treat upper respiratory infections, urinary and teeth infections. Most frequent pharmacists' intervention was referring to the GP to obtain a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Construction and validity of an item bank on risk self-medication / Construcción y validez de un banco de ítems sobre riesgo de automedicación / Construção e validação de um banco de itens sobre automedicação de risco

ABSTRACT Objective: to construct an item bank to measure risk self-medication and assess its content validity. Method: this is a methodological study carried out from May to October 2022, with two phases: 1) item bank elaboration in the light of medication literacy and Theory of Planned Behavior based on a scoping review; and 2) content validity by twenty-two health experts. The Content Validity Index, Content Validity Ratio, binomial exact test for small samples and intraclass correlation coefficient were calculated. Results: Risk Self-Medication construct item elaboration was based on a broad review of solidified national and international publications in the health area. The definitions were approved by judges, with their respective domains. In the first version, the bank contained 136 items. Two rounds of analysis were carried out with judges, which resulted in the removal of 87 items. The final version presented 49 items, distributed across three domains: Medication literacy; Behavioral intention; and Behavior. The total Content Validity Index was 0.89, with excellent reliability (0.964). There was significant disagreement in the attribution of scores among judges (p>0.05) in some items. Conclusion: the item bank has satisfactory content. It is recommended to undergo semantic analysis and subsequent structure validity.

RESUMEN Objetivo: construir un banco de ítems para medir el riesgo de automedicación y evaluar su validez de contenido. Método: estudio metodológico realizado de mayo a octubre de 2022, con dos fases: 1) elaboración del banco de ítems a la luz de la alfabetización en medicamentos y la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado a partir de una revisión del alcance; y 2) validez de contenido por veintidós expertos en salud. Se calcularon el Índice de Validez de Contenido, el Content Validity Ratio, la prueba exacta binomial para muestras pequeñas y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase. Resultados: la elaboración de los ítems del constructo Automedicación de Riesgo se basó en una amplia revisión de publicaciones nacionales e internacionales solidificadas en el área de la salud. Las definiciones fueron aprobadas por los jueces, con sus respectivos dominios. En la primera versión, el banco contenía 136 artículos. Se realizaron dos rondas de análisis con jueces, que resultaron en la eliminación de 87 ítems. La versión final presentó 49 ítems, distribuidos en tres dominios: alfabetización en medicina; Intención del comportamiento; y Comportamiento. El Índice de Validez de Contenido total fue de 0,89, con excelente confiabilidad (0,964). Hubo desacuerdo significativo en la atribución de puntuaciones entre los jueces (p>0,05) en algunos ítems. Conclusión: el banco de artículos tiene un contenido satisfactorio. Se recomienda someterse a un análisis semántico y posterior validez de la estructura interna.

RESUMO Objetivo: construir um banco de itens para mensuração da automedicação de risco e realizar sua validação de conteúdo. Método: estudo metodológico realizado no período de maio a outubro 2022, com duas fases: 1) elaboração do banco de itens, à luz do letramento em medicamentos e Teoria do Comportamento Planejado, a partir de revisão de escopo e 2) validação de conteúdo, por vinte e dois especialistas da saúde. Calculou-se o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo, Content Validity Ratio, teste exato binomial para amostras pequenas e coeficiente de correlação intraclasse. Resultados: a elaboração dos itens do constructo Automedicação de Risco foi fundamentada na ampla revisão de publicações nacionais e internacionais solidificadas na área da saúde. As definições foram aprovadas pelos juízes, com seus respectivos domínios. Na primeira versão, o banco continha 136 itens; foram realizadas duas rodadas de análises com juízes, que resultaram na remoção de 87 itens. A versão final apresentou 49 itens, distribuídos em três domínios: Letramento em medicamentos, Intenção do comportamento e Comportamento. O Índice de Validade de Conteúdo total foi de 0,89, com confiabilidade excelente (0,964). Houve discordância significativa na atribuição da pontuação entre os juízes (p>0,05) em alguns itens. Conclusão: o banco de itens apresenta conteúdo satisfatório. Recomenda-se passar por análise semântica e posterior validação da estrutura interna.

Evidence of validity of the Risk Self-Medication Questionnaire focused on Health Literacy / Evidencia de validez del Cuestionario de Automedicación de Riesgo centrado en la Alfabetización en Salud / Evidências de validade do Questionário da Automedicação de Risco focado no Letramento em Saúde

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the validity evidence of the internal structure of the Risk Self-Medication Questionnaire Focused on Health Literacy. Methods: a psychometric study with 499 adults. The internal structure was assessed with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to prove the adjustment. Internal consistency was measured by composite reliability and McDonald's omega coefficient (ω). Results: the parameters revealed a model of 35 items distributed across four factors, explaining 56% of the total variance, with factor loadings ranging from 0.31 to 0.85 and adequate communalities. Accuracy (0.79<ORION<0.98), representativeness (0.89<FDI<0.99), sensitivity (1.92<SR<7.07), factor hope (88.3%< EPTD<97.9%), replicability (0.82<H-Latent<H-observed<0.87) and reliability (ω=0.87) were adequate. The composite reliability ranged from 0.840 to 0.910. Furthermore, good model fit was achieved (TLI = 0.99; CFI = 0.99; GFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.02 and RMSR = 0.05). Conclusions: an instrument was obtained with good evidence of structural validity for measuring self-medication.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar la evidencia de validez de la estructura interna del Cuestionario de Automedicación de Riesgos Enfocado a la Alfabetización en Salud. Métodos: estudio psicométrico, con 499 adultos. La estructura interna fue evaluada con análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio para comprobar el ajuste. La consistencia interna se midió mediante la confiabilidad compuesta y el coeficiente omega de McDonald (ω). Resultados: los parámetros revelaron un modelo de 35 ítems distribuidos en cuatro factores, explicando el 56% de la varianza total, con cargas factoriales que oscilaron entre 0,31 y 0,85 y comunalidades adecuadas. Los indicadores precisión (0,79<ORION<0,98), representatividad (0,89<FDI<0,99), sensibilidad (1,92<SR<7,07), factor esperanza (88,3%< EPTD<97,9%), replicabilidad (0,82<H-Latente<H -observado<0,87) y la confiabilidad (ω=0,87) fueron adecuadas. La confiabilidad compuesta osciló entre 0,840 y 0,910. Además, se logró un buen ajuste del modelo (TLI = 0,99; CFI = 0,99; GFI = 0,95; RMSEA = 0,02 y RMSR = 0,05). Conclusiones: se obtuvo un instrumento con buena evidencia de validez estructural para medir la automedicación.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar as evidências de validade da estrutura interna do Questionário da Automedicação de Risco Focado no Letramento em Saúde. Métodos: estudo psicométrico, com 499 adultos. Avaliou-se a estrutura interna com análise fatorial exploratória e confirmatória para comprovar o ajuste. A consistência interna foi medida pela fidedignidade composta e pelo coeficiente ômega de McDonald (ω). Resultados: os parâmetros revelaram modelo de 35 itens distribuídos em quatro fatores, explicando 56% da variância total, com cargas fatoriais variando de 0,31 a 0,85 e comunalidades adequadas. Os indicadores precisão (0,79<ORION<0,98), representatividade (0,89<FDI<0,99), sensibilidade (1,92<SR<7,07), esperança do fator (88,3%<EPTD<97,9%), replicabilidade (0,82<H-Latente<H-observado<0,87) e confiabilidade (ω=0,87) foram adequados. A fidedignidade composta variou de 0,840 a 0,910. Além disso, alcançou-se bom ajuste do modelo (TLI = 0,99; CFI = 0,99; GFI = 0,95; RMSEA = 0,02; e RMSR = 0,05). Conclusões: obteve-se instrumento com boas evidências de validade de estrutura para mensuração da automedicação.

Prevalencia de la automedicación en odontología en adultos de Macas, Ecuador / Prevalence of self-medication in dentistry in adults in Macas, Ecuador

Introducción: el hecho de que una persona no puede acceder a un servicio de salud puede favorecer la automedicación, que es la administración de fármacos según la autopercepción del individuo sobre su posible diagnóstico y solución. Aunque es una situación considerada como problema de salud pública, por medio de la educación o futuras investigaciones que generen propuestas, se podrá erradicar las barreras al acceso de la salud oral. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de la automedicación en odontología en adultos de Macas, Ecuador, durante el año 2021. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo, documental, comunicacional y transversal actual, donde se trabajó sobre la población de edad adulta de Macas, Ecuador; los datos se recolectaron mediante una encuesta online, para luego ser analizados en prevalencia, frecuencia y chi cuadrado. Resultados: 49% de los encuestados respondió que se automedican, los analgésicos fueron el tipo de medicamento más consumido (44.2%); 27% de los individuos respondió que el dolor dental era una causa para tomar medicamentos sin receta, el principal motivo para automedicarse y no acudir al odontólogo fue por indicación del técnico de farmacia (26%). Conclusiones: los datos epidemiológicos obtenidos en esta investigación demuestran la marcada tendencia de las personas a consumir medicinas sin receta médica, por lo que, se deduce que existe una barrera para acceder a los servicios de salud oral; por ello, debería darse la importancia y atención oportuna (AU)

Introduction: the fact that a person cannot access a health service, may favor self-medication, which is the administration of drugs according to the individual's self-perception about their possible diagnosis and solution. Although, it is a situation considered as a public health problem, through education or future research that generates proposals, it will be possible to eradicate the barriers to oral health access. Objective: to determine the prevalence of self-medication in dentistry in adults in Macas, Ecuador, during the year 2021. Material and methods: a descriptive, quantitative, documentary, communicational and current cross-sectional study was carried out on the adult population of Macas, Ecuador; data were collected by means of an online survey and then analyzed in terms of prevalence, frequency and chi-square. Results: 49% of those surveyed responded that they self-medicate, analgesics were the most consumed type of medicine (44.2%), 27% of the individuals responded that dental pain was a cause for taking medicines without prescription, the main reason for self-medicating and not going to the dentist was because of the indication of the pharmacy technician (26%). Conclusions: the epidemiological data obtained in this investigation show us the marked tendency of people to take medicines without a medical prescription; therefore, it can be deduced that there is a barrier to accessing oral health services, and for this reason it should be given importance and timely attention (AU)

Estilos de vida y factores asociados a la automedicación en estudiantes de medicina humana / Lifestyles and factors associated with self-medication in human medicine students / Estilos de vida e fatores associados à automedicação em estudantes de medicina humana

Los estilos de vida adoptados por las personas pueden influir en la automedicación, al afectar sus decisiones sobre el uso de fármacos sin supervisión médica. Objetivo: Indagar en los factores asociados y estilos de vida que influyen en la automedicación en estudiantes de Medicina Humana de la Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de tipo cuantitativo, analítico correlacional y transversal. Se aplicó el cuestionario "Automedicación", desarrollado por Espilco y Félix en 2020, a 100 estudiantes, el cual consta de 16 ítems distribuidos en las categorías "Factores" (9 ítems) y "Automedicación" (7 ítems), y ha sido validado con un Alfa de Cbronbach de 0.750. Además, se utilizó un Alfa de Bronbach de 0.943 para evaluar los "Estilos de Vida", que abarcan las siguientes dimensiones: actividad física, salud con responsabilidad, nutrición saludable, gestión de tensiones y relaciones interpersonales. Resultados: Se identificó como factores asociados a la automedicación a: demográficos-culturales, donde el estado civil es el más significativo con una (p=0.0205); sociales, siendo significativo el lugar de accesibilidad del medicamento con una (p=0.0001) y la información del medicamento con una (p=0.0014) y finalmente económicos donde tiene más significancia el ingreso mensual del estudiante con una (p=0.0001). Además, se halló una prevalencia de automedicación del 82%, asimismo el tipo de estilo de vida no saludable (86%) y no hubo relación significativa con la automedicación (p=0.8119). Conclusión: Los factores asociados a la automedicación abarcan aspectos demográficos-culturales, sociales y económicos. Se ha observado una alta prevalencia de automedicación, alcanzando un 82%. No se halló una relación significativa entre el nivel de estilo de vida y la práctica de automedicación en este contexto particular.

The lifestyles adopted by people can influence self-medication, by affecting their decisions about the use of drugs without medical upervisión. Objective: To investigate the associated factors and lifestyles that influence self-medication in Human Medicine students of the National University of Cajamarca. Materials and Methods: Quantitative, correlational and cross-sectional analytical study. The questionnaire "Self-medication", developed by Espilco and Félix in 2020, was applied to 100 students, which consists of 16 items distributed in the categories "Factors" (9 items) and "Self-medication" (7 items), and has been validated with a Cbronbach's Alpha of 0.750. In addition, a Bronbach's Alpha of 0.943 was used to evaluate "Lifestyles", which cover the following dimensions: physical activity, health with responsibility, healthy nutrition, stress management and interpersonal relationships. Results: The following were identified as factors associated with self-medication: demographic-cultural, where marital status is the most significant with one (p=0.0205); social, being significant the place of accessibility of the medication with one (p=0.0001) and medication information with one (p=0.0014) and finally economic where the student's monthly income with one has more significance (p=0.0001). In addition, a prevalence of self-medication of 82% was found, as well as the type of unhealthy lifestyle (86%) and there was no significant relationship with self-medication (p=0.8119). Conclusion: The factors associated with self-medication cover demographic-cultural, social and economic aspects. A high prevalence of self-medication has been observed, reaching 82%. No significant relationship was found between lifestyle level and self-medication practice in this particular context.

Os estilos de vida adotados pelas pessoas podem influenciar a automedicação, afetando suas decisões sobre o uso de medicamentos sem supervisão médica. Objetivo: investigar os fatores associados e estilos de vida que influenciam a automedicação em estudantes de Medicina Humana da Universidade Nacional de Cajamarca. Materiais e Métodos: estudo de tipo quantitativo, analítico correlacional e transversal. O questionário "automedicação", desenvolvido por Espilco e Felix em 2020, foi aplicado a 100 estudantes, composto por 16 itens distribuídos nas categorias "fatores" (9 itens) e "automedicação" (7 itens), e foi validado com um Alfa de Cbronbach de 0,750. Além disso, um Alfa de Bronbach de 0, 943 foi usado para avaliar "Estilos de vida", abrangendo as seguintes dimensões: atividade física, saúde com responsabilidade, nutrição saudável, gerenciamento de tensões e relações interpessoais. Resultados: identificou-se como fatores associados à automedicação a: demográficos-culturais, onde o estado civil é o mais significativo com uma (p=0,0205); sociais, sendo significativo o local de acessibilidade do medicamento com uma (p=0,0001) e a informação do medicamento com uma (p=0,0014) e finalmente econômicos onde tem mais significância a renda mensal do estudante com uma (p=0,0001). Além disso, foi encontrada uma prevalência de automedicação de 82%, assim como o tipo de estilo de vida não saudável (86%) e não houve relação significativa com a automedicação (p=0,8119). Conclusão: os fatores associados à automedicação abrangem aspectos demográficos-culturais, sociais e econômicos. Foi observada uma alta prevalência de automedicação, atingindo 82%. Não foi encontrada relação significativa entre o nível de estilo de vida e a prática de automedicação neste contexto particular.

La medicalización de los servicios de salud y la publicidad masiva de medicamentos en la automedicación y la polifarmacia / Medicalization of Health Services and Massive Advertising of Drugs in Self-Medication and Polypharmacy

La medicalización de los servicios de salud y la publicidad masiva de medicamentos en la automedicación y la polifarmacia son temas relevantes de interés mundial. Se encuentran vinculados a la calidad de vida, el deterioro de la salud, la funcionalidad, la autonomía y los actuales modelos económicos y de salud pública. Estos mal manejados perpetúan un círculo perjudicial que trasciende las políticas públicas, las naciones y la sociedad en su conjunto. Ambos modifican el pronóstico de las enfermedades de base (transmisibles o no transmisibles), las comorbilidades, y los procesos farmacocinéticos y farmacodinámicos, cambian su índice terapéutico, y su relación entre las concentraciones para producir efectos terapéuticos o tóxicos. Ejemplos como la insuficiencia renal atribuida al consumo frecuente de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos y la suspensión de metformina en personas adultas mayores con un filtrado glomerular < 30 ml/min o la presencia de comorbilidades(AU)

The medicalization of health services and the massive advertising of drugs in self-medication and polypharmacy are relevant issues of global interest. They are linked to the quality of life, deterioration of health and current autonomy of the economic and public health models. The medicalization of poorly managed services perpetuates a harmful circle that transcends public policies, modifying the prognosis of underlying communicable and non-communicable diseases, comorbidities, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. As a result of these problems, alterations appear in the therapeutic index and its relationship between concentrations to produce therapeutic or toxic effects. This global problem of polypharmacy in public health mainly affects the elderly(A)

Resistência bacteriana consecutiva do uso indiscriminado de antibióticos: revisão integrativa / Consecutive bacterial resistance from the indiscriminate use of antibiotic: integrative review / Resistencia bacteriana consecutiva al uso indiscriminado de antibióticos: revisión integrativa

O abandono do tratamento de tuberculose é uma questão relevante e preocu- pante na saúde pública mundial. Mediante uma revisão integrativa, esse estudo busca identificar os possíveis fatores que levam ao abandono do tratamento. Foi realizada pes- quisa em estudos indexados nas bases de dados: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO), no período de 2017 a 2021, utilizando-se os seguintes descritores (DeCS): tuberculose, agente antituberculose e tuberculose pul- monar. Ao fim, foram selecionados onze estudos, publicados nos idiomas português, es- panhol e inglês. Os resultados mostraram que o abandono está relacionado a fatores de diversas esferas, com destaque para as esferas social, da saúde e a do próprio tratamento. Como perfil das pessoas dos casos de abandono, em geral, observou-se que elas são eco- nomicamente ativas, com faixa etária entre 15 e 49 anos, possuem baixa escolaridade, baixa renda e é comum que os usos abusivos de álcool e drogas sejam apresentados como comorbidades relevantes. Portanto, o trabalho evidenciou os principais fatores associados ao abandono do tratamento de tuberculose e a importância da participação de diferentes atores como forças que somarão para diminuir a ocorrência do problema em questão.

Introduction: Currently, it is understood that bacterial resistance is an ecological event arising from mutations, or selection, occurring as a response to the use of antibiotics and their presence in the environment, causing the change of genes. Objective: To evaluate how the indiscriminate use of antibiotics affects bacterial resistance. Materials and Methods: This is a bibliographical research of the integrative literature review type. Results: The practice and indiscriminate use of medication result from sociocultural factors, economic conditions, access to health services, malpractice in medication prescription and lack of surveillance when purchasing medication. The presence of "home pharmacies" in the study was considered alarming, being a risk factor for the self-medication of antibiotics, such stored drugs show a possible non-completion of a treatment in an adequate period, justified by the absence of pain symptoms, or by individuals who did not consider the drug to be effective. Conclusion: It is necessary to comply with existing legislation in order to regulate the sale of antibiotics and prevent the irrational use of drugs.

Introducción: Actualmente, se entiende que la resistencia bacteriana es un evento ecológico derivado de mutaciones, o selección, que ocurre como respuesta al uso de antibióticos y su presencia en el ambiente, provocando el cambio de genes. Objetivo: Evaluar cómo el uso indiscriminado de antibióticos afecta la resistencia bacteriana. Materiales y Métodos: Se trata de una investigación bibliográfica del tipo revisión integradora de literatura. Resultados: La práctica y uso indiscriminado de medicamentos resultan de factores socioculturales, condiciones económicas, acceso a los servicios de salud, mala práctica en la prescripción de medicamentos y falta de vigilancia en la compra de medicamentos. Se consideró alarmante la presencia de "farmacias domiciliarias" en el estudio, siendo un factor de riesgo para la automedicación de antibióticos, tales medicamentos almacenados evidencian una posible no finalización de un tratamiento en un período adecuado, justificado por la ausencia de síntomas de dolor , o por personas que no consideraron que el fármaco fuera eficaz. Conclusión: Es necesario cumplir con la legislación vigente para regular la venta de antibióticos y prevenir el uso irracional de medicamentos.

Automedicación en salud bucal en Bogotá: estudio etnográfico / Self-medication in oral health in Bogota: ethnographic study

Introducción: la automedicación en salud bucal es una práctica censurada por la biomedicina; sin embargo, es una actividad frecuente que sintetiza la interacción de las personas con diferentes modelos de atención a la salud, en donde se materializa la trama estructural y simbólica del campo sanitario. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender los saberes y prácticas sobre automedicación salud bucal en Bogotá. Métodos: investigación cualitativa con enfoque etnográfico. Se utilizaron herramientas como observación participante, entrevista etnográfica y diario de campo. Se eligieron siete familias de Bogotá a partir de una muestra tipológica ideal. Resultados: existen barreras de acceso a la atención odontológica que se incrementan a través de mecanismos de segregación que se relacionan con la estructura urbana de la ciudad, barreras que motivan la utilización de diversos medicamentos frente a las dolencias. La boca tiene diversos significados. Se reconoce la caries y sus efectos, y en su prevención se usan sedas, pastas, enjuagues y cepillos, elementos que proceden de la industria farmacéutica. El padecimiento más común es la odontalgia y para tratarla se utilizan principalmente analgésicos de origen farmacéutico. Conclusiones: la automedicación en salud bucal es un proceso consciente que realizan los sujetos desde sus propios razonamientos y recursos, con el propósito de prevenir y atender sus dolencias. Esta práctica se relaciona con las representaciones sociales sobre la boca, con el acceso a los servicios de atención odontológica, y con la disposición y obtención de insumos terapéuticos.

Introduction: self-medication in oral health is a practice censured by biomedicine; however, it is a frequent activity that synthesizes the interaction of people with different models of health care, where the structural and symbolic fabric of the health field materializes. The objective was to understand the knowledge and practices on oral health self-medication in Bogota. Methods: qualitative research with ethnographic approach. Tools such as participant observation, ethnographic interview and field diary were used. Seven families from Bogota were chosen from an ideal typological sample. Results: there are barriers to access to dental care that are increased through segregation mechanisms that are related to the urban structure of the city, barriers that motivate the use of various medications in the face of ailments. The mouth has diverse meanings. Caries and its effects are recognized, and in its prevention silks, pastes, rinses and brushes are used, elements that come from the pharmaceutical industry. The most common ailment is odontalgia, and analgesics of pharmaceutical origin are mainly used to treat it. Conclusions: self-medication in oral health is a conscious process carried out by the subjects from their own reasoning and resources, to prevent and treat their ailments. This practice is related to social representations about the mouth, to access to dental care services, and to the availability and obtaining of therapeutic supplies.

Uso irracional de medicamentos na pandemia do Covid-19: revisão integrativa / Irrational use of medicines in the Covid-19 pandemic: integrative review / Uso irracional de medicamentos en la pandemia de Covid-19: revisión integradora

Os medicamentos são uma importante fonte tática de ação em saúde, quando usados para prevenção, alívio, diagnóstico ou cura de algumas enfermidades. Entretanto, apesar dos benefícios de tratar diversas doenças, os medicamentos podem trazer consigo riscos, como efeitos colaterais graves à saúde do usuário, além de possibilitar a resistência microbiana. O consumo excessivo de medicamentos sem prescrição é considerado um grande problema na saúde pública e vem sendo acentuado desde o período pandêmico da COVID-19 disso, partindo do princípio de que os fármacos podem desencadear reações adversas e apresentar danos à saúde, o objetivo deste artigo é discutir o uso irracional de medicamentos e destacar os medicamentos mais utilizados pela população na pandemia da COVID-19. Trata-se de um estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura. Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico de 12 artigos científicos do ano de 2020 a 2022. Destaca- se que o uso indevido de medicamentos consiste em uma prática corriqueira na sociedade e a automedicação durante o período da pandemia apresentou-se como um risco à população. Os medicamentos mais citados na pesquisa foram a azitromicina e a ivermectina.

Medications are an important tactical source of health action, when used for prevention, relief, diagnosis or cure of some diseases. However, despite the benefits of treating various diseases, medications can bring with them risks, such as serious side effects to the user's health, as well as enabling microbial resistance. The excessive consumption of non-prescription drugs is considered a major problem in public health and has been accentuated since the pandemic period of COVID-19 of this, assuming that drugs can trigger adverse reactions and present damage to health, the aim of this article is to discuss the irrational use of medicines and highlight the most commonly used drugs by the population in the pandemic of COVID-19. This is an integrative literature review study. A literature survey of 12 scientific articles from the year 2020 to 2022 was conducted. It is noteworthy that the misuse of medicines is a common practice in society and self-medication during the pandemic period presented itself as a risk to the population. The most cited drugs in the survey were azithromycin and ivermectin.

Los medicamentos son una importante fuente táctica de acción sanitaria, cuando se utilizan para prevenir, aliviar, diagnosticar o curar algunas enfermedades. Sin embargo, a pesar de los beneficios en el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades, los medicamentos pueden traer consigo riesgos, como graves efectos secundarios para la salud del usuario, además de posibilitar la resistencia microbiana. El consumo excesivo de medicamentos de venta libre es considerado un gran problema de salud pública y se ha acentuado desde el período de la pandemia de COVID-19 de esto, asumiendo que los medicamentos pueden desencadenar reacciones adversas y presentar daños a la salud, el objetivo de este artículo es discutir el uso irracional de medicamentos y destacar los fármacos más utilizados por la población en la pandemia de COVID-19. Se trata de un estudio de revisión bibliográfica integradora. Se realizó un estudio bibliográfico de 12 artículos científicos del año 2020 al 2022. Se destaca que el uso indebido de medicamentos es una práctica común en la sociedad y la automedicación durante el período pandémico se presentó como un riesgo para la población. Los medicamentos más citados en la encuesta fueron la azitromicina y la ivermectina.

Automedicación por síntomas de COVID-19 en internos rotativos de Enfermería

Introducción: La automedicación puede generar reacciones adversas, interacciones medicamentosas, retraso y fallo en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad, resistencia a los antibióticos y pérdida de recursos sanitarios. Durante la pandemia por COVID-19 se reporta que la frecuencia de reacciones adversas por automedicación se ha duplicado. Objetivo: Identificar las diversas causas y factores que inciden en la automedicación por COVID-19 en internos rotativos de Enfermería, del Hospital General "Luis Gabriel Dávila" de Tulcán, Ecuador. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo-analítico-correlacional, sobre la automedicación en 64 internos rotativos de Enfermería de dicha institución en el periodo 2020-2021. Se utilizaron los métodos: del nivel empírico, analítico-sintético, inductivo-deductivo, histórico-lógico. El cuestionario fue la técnica aplicada para caracterizar el estado actual. Los datos recolectados se exportaron a Microsoft Excel v.2013. Resultados: El 50,3 % de los internos de Enfermería se medicaron de forma frecuente, el 60,9 % se automedicó con analgésicos ante la presencia de síntomas por COVID-19. El 29,7 % presentó dolor de garganta como sintomatología de COVID-19, seguido por fiebre con el 26, 5 %. El 78,1 % utilizó la vía oral. El 55,0 % de estos internos siempre tuvo libre acceso a los medicamentos en sus rotaciones; lo que incitó al 42,2 % a la automedicación. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos sirven para caracterizar la problemática de la automedicación por COVID-19 en estudiantes universitarios y brindar información para el planteamiento de estrategias que reduzcan su impacto negativo. Las autoridades universitarias y sanitarias deben dedicar esfuerzos ante la problemática de la automedicación por COVID-19, dado que es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial.

Introduction: Self-medication can generate adverse reactions, drug interactions, delay and failure in the diagnosis of the disease, resistance to antibiotics and loss of health resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reported that the frequency of adverse reactions due to self-medication has doubled. Objective: To identify the various causes and factors that affect self-medication by COVID-19 in rotating Nursing interns at the Hospital General "Luis Gabriel Dávila" in Tulcán, Ecuador. Method: A descriptive-analytical-correlational cross-sectional study was carried out on self-medication in 64 rotating Nursing interns of said institution in the period 2020-2021. Methods were used: empirical, analytical-synthetic, inductive-deductive, historical-logical level. The questionnaire was the technique applied to characterize the current state. The collected data was exported to Microsoft Excel v.2013. Results: 50.3% of Nursing inmates took frequent medication, 60.9% self-medicated with analgesics in the presence of symptoms due to COVID-19. 29.7% presented sore throat as a symptom of COVID-19, followed by fever with 26.5%. 78.1% used the oral route. 55.0% of these inmates always had free access to medications in their rotations; which prompted 42.2% to self-medication. Conclusions: The results obtained serve to characterize the problem of self-medication by COVID-19 in university students and provide information for the formulation of strategies that reduce its negative impact. The university and health authorities must dedicate efforts to the problem of self-medication by COVID-19, since it is a public health problem worldwide.

Introdução: A automedicação pode gerar reações adversas, interações medicamentosas, atraso e falha no diagnóstico da doença, resistência a antibióticos e perda de recursos de saúde. Durante a pandemia de COVID-19, foi relatado que a frequência de reações adversas devido à automedicação dobrou. Objetivo: Identificar as várias causas e fatores que afetam a automedicação por COVID-19 em internos de enfermagem rotativos no Hospital General "Luis Gabriel Dávila" em Tulcán, Equador. Método: Realizou-se um estudo transversal descritivo-analítico-correlacional sobre a automedicação em 64 internos rotativos de Enfermagem da referida instituição no período 2020-2021. Os métodos utilizados foram: nível empírico, analítico-sintético, indutivo-dedutivo, histórico-lógico. O questionário foi a técnica aplicada para caracterizar o estado atual. Os dados coletados foram exportados para o Microsoft Excel v.2013. Resultados: 50,3% dos reclusos de Enfermagem tomavam medicação frequente, 60,9% automedicavam-se com analgésicos na presença de sintomas devido à COVID-19. 29,7% apresentaram dor de garganta como sintoma de COVID-19, seguido de febre com 26,5%. 78,1% utilizaram a via oral. 55,0% desses internos sempre tiveram livre acesso a medicamentos em seus rodízios; o que levou 42,2% à automedicação. Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos servem para caracterizar o problema da automedicação por COVID-19 em estudantes universitários e fornecer informações para a formulação de estratégias que reduzam seu impacto negativo. A universidade e as autoridades de saúde devem dedicar esforços ao problema da automedicação por COVID-19, uma vez que é um problema de saúde pública mundial.

REVISIÓN NARRATIVA: AUTOMEDICACIÓN EN ESTUDIANTES DEL ÁREA DE LA SALUD RELACIONADO CON SALUD MENTAL EN PANDEMIA COVID-19, 2020 - 2022 / NARRATIVE REVIEW: SELF-MEDICATION IN STUDENTS OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS AS RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, 2020-2022

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se ha observado desde el inicio de la pandemia cómo ha evolucionado y deteriorado la salud de los estudiantes principalmente en carreras del área de la salud, llevando a una parte de ellos a la automedicación OBJETIVO: Analizar la evidencia científica respecto a la automedicación en estudiantes del área de la salud en relación a problemas de salud mental en la pandemia COVID-19. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una revisión narrativa, la investigación se realizó desde abril hasta diciembre del año 2022, los textos incluidos fueron en idioma español, inglés y portugués. Se utilizaron 4 bases de datos. RESULTADOS: 4 artículos fueron identificados y rescatados, 3 latinoamericanos en específico todos de Brasil y un asiático, de universidades tanto públicas como privadas, todas las investigaciones tuvieron el denominador común COVID-19 y su correlación con automedicación solo en estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud, todas publicadas solo entre 2020 y 2022. CONCLUSIONES: Las carreras del ámbito de la salud que más se automedicaron son en orden: medicina, enfermería y farmacia. Los fármacos más utilizados fueron: ansiolíticos, antidepresivos e hipnóticos. Los trastornos de salud mental más evidenciados para la automedicación fueron ansiedad, depresión, alteración en los patrones del sueño, estrés, miedo, crisis de angustia, confusión, impotencia e ira, todas como efectos pandémicos. La automedicación es más frecuente a medida que los estudiantes van avanzando en su formación académica. Factores para la automedicación fueron problemas en el ámbito socioeconómico-familiar, falta de acceso a internet, falta de actividades prácticas, posible contagio.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has been observed that the health of students, especially those in health-related careers, has evolved and deteriorated, leading some to self-medication OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific evidence regarding self-medication of students in the health professions, in relation to mental health problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: A narrative review was conducted; the research was carried out from April to December 2022 based on texts in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. 4 databases were used. RESULTS: 4 articles were identified and selected: 3 from Latin America, specifically from Brazil, and one Asian. The articles were from both public and private universities. All the investigations had the common denominator of COVID-19 and its correlation with self-medication in university students from the health professions. All were published between 2020 and 2022. CONCLUSIONS: The health professions careers that include the most self-medicating students are, in order, medicine, nursing and pharmacy. The drugs most used for self-medication are anxiolytics, antidepressants, and hypnotics. The most common mental health disorders for self-medication are anxiety, depression, altered sleep patterns, stress, fear, panic attacks, confusion, impotence, and anger; all as pandemic effects. Self-medication is more common as students' progress in their academic training. Factors for self-medication include problems in the socioeconomic-family environment, lack of internet access, lack of practical activities, and possible contagion.

Self-medication associated with toothache: a systematic literature review / Automedicação associada à dor de dente: uma revisão sistemática da literatura / Automedicación asociada al dolor de dientes: una revisión sistemática de la literatura

Introduction: Self-medication consists of selecting and using medication without a poprescription or guidance from a healthcare professional. This practice has been widely reported worldwide, which has contributed to a series of adverse health outcomes, such as delayed diagnosis, worsening of clinical conditions, drug interactions, intoxication, and adverse reactions, which tend to compromise patient safety. Objective:To analyze the prevalence of self-medication associated with toothache, the main factors associated with self-medication in dental patients, as well as outline the profile of medications used by these individuals, the preferred route of administration, and the main sources of medication.Methodology:Asystematic review was developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Relevant articles published in the last ten years, without limitations of language were searched using the following descriptors/MeSHterms and keywords: "self-medication" and (toothache or "dental pain") not Child. Results:The initial search returned 61 manuscripts. Fourteen papers, all cross-sectional studies, were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review.Conclusions:The prevalence of self-medication for toothache ranged from 6.5% to 100.0%. Cultural and economic factors, barriers to access, the high cost of dental treatments, lack of time and money, and the perception that dental problems are not a serious problem are among the main factors associated with the practice. Regarding the drugs used, the most used classes were paracetamol, especially anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly ibuprofen, and analgesics administered orally (AU).

Introdução:A automedicação consiste na escolha e uso de medicamentos sem prescrição ou orientação de um profissional de saúde. Essa prática tem sido amplamente divulgada em todo o mundo, o que tem contribuído para uma série de desfechos adversos à saúde, como atraso no diagnóstico, piora do quadro clínico, interações medicamentosas, intoxicações e reações adversas, que tendem a comprometer a segurança do paciente. Objetivo:Analisar a prevalência da automedicação associada à dor de dente, os principais fatores associados à automedicação em pacientes odontológicos, bem como traçar o perfil dos medicamentos utilizados por esses indivíduos, a via preferencial de administração e as principais fontes de medicação. Metodologia:Uma revisão sistemática foi desenvolvida de acordo com os itens de relatório preferidos para revisões sistemáticas e meta-análises (PRISMA). Foram pesquisados artigos relevantes publicados nos últimos dez anos, sem limitação de linguagem, utilizando os seguintes descritores/MeSHterms e palavras-chave: "self-medication" e (toothache or "dental pain") não Child. Resultados:A busca inicial encontrou61manuscritos. Quatorze artigos, de delineamento transversal,foram considerados elegíveis e incluídos para a revisão.Conclusões:A prevalência de automedicação para dor de dente variou de 6,5% a 100,0%. Fatores culturais e econômicos, barreiras de acesso, alto custo dos tratamentos odontológicos, falta de tempo e dinheiro e a percepção de que os problemas odontológicos não são um problema grave estão entre os principais fatores associados à prática. Em relação aos medicamentos utilizados, as classes mais utilizadas foram o paracetamol, principalmente os anti-inflamatórios, principalmente o ibuprofeno, e os analgésicos por via oral (AU).

Introducción: La automedicación consiste en seleccionar y utilizar medicamentos sin receta ni orientación de un profesional sanitario. Esta práctica ha sido ampliamente reportada a nivel mundial, lo que ha contribuido a una serie de resultados adversos para la salud, como retraso en el diagnóstico, empeoramiento de las condiciones clínicas, interacciones medicamentosas, intoxicaciones y reacciones adversas, que tienden a comprometer la seguridad del paciente.Objetivo: Analizar la prevalencia de automedicación asociada al dolor de muelas, los principales factores asociados a la automedicación en pacientes odontológicos, así como delinear el perfil de medicamentos utilizados por estos individuos, la vía de administración preferida y las principales fuentes de medicación. Metodología: Se desarrolló una revisión sistemática de acuerdo con los Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Se buscaron artículos relevantes publicados en los últimos diez años, sin limitaciones de idioma, utilizando los siguientes descriptores/MeSHterms y palabras clave: "self-medication" y (toothache or "dental pain") not Child. Resultados: La búsqueda inicial arrojó 61 manuscritos. Catorce artículos, todos estudios transversales, fueron elegibles para su inclusión en la revisión sistemática.Conclusiones: La prevalencia de automedicación para el dolor de muelas osciló entre 6,5% y 100,0%. Los factoresculturales y económicos, las barreras de acceso, el alto costo de los tratamientos dentales, la falta de tiempo y dinero, y la percepción de que los problemas dentales no son un problema grave se encuentran entre los principales factores asociados con la práctica. En cuanto a los fármacos utilizados, las clases más utilizadas fueron el paracetamol, especialmente los antiinflamatorios, especialmente el ibuprofeno, y los analgésicos por vía oral (AU).

Factores de riesgo asociados al almacenamiento excesivo de medicamentos en una zona urbana de méxico

Objetivo: Describir los factores de riesgo vinculados al almacenamiento excesivo de medicamentos en hogares urbanos de una región en México. Material y Método: Utilizando una encuesta virtual, se recopilaron datos sociodemográficos de los miembros del hogar y detalles sobre los medicamentos almacenados. Los datos se analizaron mediante medidas de tendencia central, dispersión y pruebas de Odds Ratio y Chi cuadrado para analizar asociaciones significativas entre variables. Resultados: De un total de 300 hogares encuestados, el 20% tenían niños menores de cinco años, el 25,3% tenían adultos mayores y el 78,5% disponían de seguridad social. Además, se observó una mayor prevalencia de analgésicos (99%), antiinflamatorios (92%) y antipiréticos (89%) en comparación con otros grupos de medicamentos. La mayoría de las familias optaba por contenedores de plástico para almacenar los fármacos. El 51% informó poseer medicamentos caducados en sus hogares, pese a que todos los encuestados hayan afirmado seguir buenas prácticas en relación con el almacenamiento. Conclusión: Se determina que los adultos mayores, la seguridad social y la presencia de enfermedades crónicas son factores de riesgo significativos para el almacenamiento excesivo, siendo la acumulación de medicamentos caducados, una consecuencia de tal fenómeno.

Objective: To describe the risk factors associated with excessive medication storage in urban households in a region of Mexico. Materials and Methods: A virtual survey was used to collect sociodemographic data of household members and details concerning stored medications. Data were analyzed using measures of central tendency, dispersion, and odds Ratio and Chi-square tests to explore significant associations between variables. Results: Of the 300 surveyed households, 20% had children under the age of five, 25.3% had elderly adults, and 78.5% had social security coverage. In addition, a higher prevalence of analgesics (99%), anti-inflammatories (92%), and antipyretics (89%) was observed compared to other medication categories. Plastic containers were the preferred choice of most families for storing medication. 51% percent reported having expired medications at home, despite all respondents claiming to adhere to proper storage practices. Conclusion: It was determined that elderly people, social security coverage, and the presence of chronic illnesses are significant risk factors for excessive storage, with the accumulation of expired medications being a consequence of this phenomenon.

Objetivo: Descrever os fatores de risco associados ao armazenamento excessivo de medicamentos em domicílios urbanos de uma região do México. Material e Método: Utilizando uma pesquisa virtual, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos dos membros da família e detalhes sobre os medicamentos armazenados. Os dados foram analisados por meio de medidas de tendência central, dispersão e testes de Odds Ratio e Qui-quadrado para explorar associações significativas entre variáveis. Resultados: De um total de 300 domicílios pesquisados, 20% tinham crianças menores de cinco anos, 25,3% tinham adultos idosos e 78,5% possuíam cobertura de seguridade social. Além disso, foi observada uma maior prevalência de analgésicos (99%), anti-inflamatórios (92%) e antipiréticos (89%) em comparação com outras categorias de medicamentos. A maioria das famílias preferia recipientes de plástico para o armazenamento dos medicamentos. 51% relataram possuir medicamentos vencidos em casa, apesar de todos os entrevistados afirmarem aderir às práticas adequadas de armazenamento. Conclusão: Estabelece-se que adultos idosos, cobertura de seguridade social e a presença de doenças crônicas são fatores de risco significativos para o armazenamento excessivo, sendo o acúmulo de medicamentos vencidos uma consequência desse fenômeno.