Self-Medication and Related Factors in the Older People: Their Practice in Covid-19 Pandemic

Background/Purpose: Self-medication (SM) has many risks especially in the older people, due to the high probability of polypharmacy. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication and to investigate associated factors in older people, who requested home vaccination in Istanbul. SM during SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic was also evaluated in the study. Method(s): This descriptive study was carried out on elderly adults who requested to receive COVID-19 vaccination service at home in a medium-sized district of Istanbul, Turkey between February 22 and March 19. Study data were collected by a questionnaire through face-to-face interviews in the mandatory waiting period after vaccination. Result(s): We observed that 48.7% of the older people used SM. The use of auxilary equipment, especially use of canes/crutches significantly increased the prevelance of SM. SM was significantly higher in the older people who forget drug use, confuse medication time, recommend drugs for others and keep unused/unfinished drugs at home. The most effective factor in choosing SM was that they had used it before. The most common reason for preffering SM was thought of the disease is mild. A 20% of the participants used SM to prevent COVID-19 pandemic. Vitamins (16.4%) were mostly used for SM during COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion(s): This study shows that the older people had a high rate of self-medication during COVID-19 pandemic. We think that targeted health education and preventive initiatives may be benefical. Copyright © 2022, Full Universe Integrated Marketing Limited. All rights reserved.