Self-medication of upper gastrointestinal symptoms: a community pharmacy study.
Ann Pharmacother
; 43(5): 890-8, 2009 May.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19417113
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are a common reason for self-treatment with over-the-counter (OTC) medication. However, data are scarce on the typology of GI complaints for which individuals seek self-medication and, more importantly, on the prevalence of alarm symptoms in this population.OBJECTIVE:
To investigate (1) the nature of GI symptoms that people intend to self-medicate, (2) prevalence of alarm symptoms, (3) adherence to referral advice given by the pharmacist, and (4) self-reported efficacy and frequency of use of OTC medication for minor complaints.METHODS:
This descriptive study was performed in 63 community pharmacies. Participants (N = 592, aged 18-82 y) completed a questionnaire to assess symptom characteristics and previous medical consulting. Based on this information, the pharmacist referred subjects to a physician or advised self-treatment. Four weeks later, participants were presented a follow-up questionnaire evaluating their adherence to referral advice or efficacy of self-treatment.RESULTS:
The most frequently reported GI symptoms were burning retrosternal discomfort (49.2%), acid regurgitation (53.2%), and bothersome postprandial fullness (51.2%). At least one alarm symptom was present in 22.4% of the individuals, with difficulty in swallowing being the most prevalent (15.4%). Although 21% of the customers were referred, only 51.7% of these contacted a physician. Almost all (95.1%) of the remaining customers who were advised self-treatment reported symptom relief with the OTC drug obtained.CONCLUSIONS:
Mild GI symptoms will mostly resolve with self-treatment. Yet, the value of pharmacist counseling on OTC treatment should be recognized, as community pharmacists can play an important role in distinguishing symptoms that warrant further medical examination.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Automedicación
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Aceptación de la Atención de Salud
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Servicios Comunitarios de Farmacia
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Consejo Dirigido
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Medicamentos sin Prescripción
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Enfermedades Gastrointestinales
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
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Etiology_studies
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Evaluation_studies
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Incidence_studies
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Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Aged80
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Año:
2009
Tipo del documento:
Article