Factors that influence the practice of self-medication in adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication is the choice of some drug decides the person so that it can preserve health, prevent and treat the disease, this is given by the variety of drugs that exist worldwide and that are over-the-counter, causing complications or risks for the person who acquires them. Objective: To identify the main factors that influence the practice of self-medication in adolescents. Methods: Method: Quantitative approach, with descriptive scope and cross-sectional design, an instrument composed of 10 questions that addressed three dimensions was used, the reliability of the instrument yielded a Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient with a value of 0.99. A simple random sampling was used for the survey aimed at students of the Technical University of Ambato in the leveling area. Results: The factors associated with self-medication are the lack of time to go to the doctor and the recommendation by pharmacies; the most consumed drugs are analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Conclusions: Self-medication has become an inadequate practice where easy access for the acquisition of drugs causes the problem to be exacerbated; people are not aware of the damage they can generate in their health in the short, medium, and long term.