Thoughts and attitudes of adults about medicines used for COVID-19; A descriptive study

Abstract

Aims: With this study; it was aimed to determine the use of various medications or nutritional supplements to support immune system and opinions, usage status and attitudes towards the drugs currently used / recommended for the treatment of COVID-19, and the factors affecting drug use during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the condition of having COVID-19.
 Methods: The descriptive research was conducted in Family Medicine outpatient clinics. Data were collected with a questionnaire prepared by the researchers through the internet (sites on social media) due to the pandemic. The e-questionnaire form was shared on the internet a total of 10 times at 6-day intervals. 
 Results: 1484 people participated, 60.8% were female, 51.5% was a healthcare professional. While 23.3% had a known disease; 19.3% of them had COVID-19 infection, 79% of them received outpatient medication. Although not recommended, it was observed that the most used drugs were Vitamin C and antipyretic drugs, followed by vitamin D and antibiotics. 87.5% who have had COVID-19 infection stated that they used the drugs as suggested/written on to them. The reasons of those who did not use drugs: fear of its side effects, not seeing it necessary, using herbal products and observing and using it if necessary. People who had live a person under the age of 18 living in the same household (p=0.042), who had a chronical disease (p=0.014) and who were regularly drug users (p=0.003) were reported that they used drugs as suggested / written on them.
 Conclusion: Infodemic causes the spread of false information about the disease and its treat-ment both among the public and in scientific circles. The results of our study also support this situation. The healthcare system should be structured in accordance with the pandemic condi-tions in order to explain the importance of the use of medicines.