SELF-MEDICATION IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE IN THE TERRITORY OF THE CITY OF NIŠ

Milana Dimitrijević,Radmila Velicković-Radovanović,Aleksandra Catić-Djordjević,Nikola Stefanović,Dragana Pavlović

doi:10.5633/amm.2014.0303

Abstract

Self-medication represents the use of medicines and herbal remedies with the purpose of treating or preventing a disease the symptoms of which are recognized by the patients themselves. Drugs that are intended for self-medication and do not require a prescription are called “over-the-counter medicines” (OTC) products. The aim of the paper was to evaluate self-medication in the adult population in the Nis region and determine the potential factors affecting the level and the quality of self-medication. A total of 300 respondents, divided into three age categories, were interviewed: aged 18 to 30, 31 to 65 and over 65. Self-medication is the most common in the respondents aged 18 to 30 (98%). The analysis of the data revealed a statistically significant difference among groups at the level of trust in doctors and their own expertise/awareness of the disease as the main reasons for self-medication. There was a statistically significant difference among the groups regarding media influence on the selection of drug (p<0.05). Awareness of the possible side effects of the chosen therapy was registered in 60% of the respondents. Idea that self-medication can “cover up” symptoms of some more serious diseases was most widespread among the respondents aged 18 to 30 (84%). The role of pharmacists in patients’ education on the proper application of selfmedication is vital, as it allows a patient to actively participate in the process of selfcare and it also represents the least of all the risks to their health. Acta Medica Medianae 2014;53(3):19-24.

Highlights

Self-medication represents the selection and use of medicine without consulting a doctor, with the purposes of treating or preventing a disease, the symptoms of which are recognised by the patient
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-medication is the primary resource for public health in the health care system
Products indented for self-medication represent medicines manufactured, distributed and intended primarily for users who will administer them on their own initiative and responsibility and for which a doctor’s prescription is not issued

Summary

Introduction

Self-medication represents the selection and use of medicine (including herbal medicine) without consulting a doctor, with the purposes of treating or preventing a disease, the symptoms of which are recognised by the patient. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-medication is the primary resource for public health in the health care system. It implies health activities and decisions of an individual, but it includes self-care, social support during the illness and help with a daily life [2]. Products indented for self-medication represent medicines manufactured, distributed and intended primarily for users who will administer them on their own initiative and responsibility and for which a doctor’s prescription is not issued. The term “over-the-counter (OTC) medicines” is widely used to describe this type of products [2]

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Discussion

Conclusion