Automedicação e Saúde Pública: dimensionamento dos fatores de risco e comportamentos de saúde

Abstract

This study characterized and measured self-medication in adult population, as well as identified possible associations between lifestyle and risk factors for the use of over-the-counter medications. This is an epidemiological, cross-sectional study, carried out in the primary health care of a city in Brazil. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured survey grouped into thematic blocks. The statistical analysis included a bivariate analysis and a binomial logistic regression provided the statistics. Of the 537 participants, 42.83% reported having used medication without a prescription in the last 15 days. There were associations between the dependent variable and migraine (OR = 3.347); current pain (OR = 2.189); use of medications under the influence of family members (OR = 2.431); not reading drugs’ leaflet (OR = 1.682); and lack of leisure activities (OR = 4.335). A significant part of users of primary health care self-medicated.