Automedicación en estudiantes de último curso de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Medicina de la Universidad de Córdoba

Abstract

IntroductionSelf-medication is defined as the consumption of medicines on a person's own initiative in order to alleviate some health problem without medical advice or an appropriate diagnosis. This practice is not only considered a major problem for the consumer, but also for public health when it involves antibiotics. The aim of this work is to determine the prevalence of self-medication in final year Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine students at the University of Cordoba, and other factors associated with it. MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional study was designed using a validated questionnaire that was completed telematically and anonymously by the students. Chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for the statistical analysis. ResultsA total of 90.8% of the students confirm that they use self-medication, with the most common medicine used among the students being analgesics for pain management. Around half (47.7%) of the self-medicated students only took one drug. Results show that the knowledge acquired during their studies promotes this self-care practice, using their knowledge as the main source of information. The community pharmacy is the main source for medicines. ConclusionSelf-medication is common among final year Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine students at the University of Cordoba. The high prevalence of self-medication in these students requires reflection about the importance of Education on potential risks associated with self-medication. It is recommended that an education pathway is establishes in order to make these students aware of the dangerousness of self-medication.