Determinants Of Self-medication Research Articles

Prevalence and Determinants of Self-Medication Among Pregnant Women at an Antenatal Clinic at Soba Teaching Hospital, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND Rates of self-medication among pregnant women are high, due to the promotion of herbal and dietary supplements and lack of awareness of possible adverse effects. This study evaluated self-medication in pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic at Soba Teaching Hospital, Sudan. MATERIAL AND METHODS A quantitative study was conducted using a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, which consisted of 25 questions divided into 4 sections: demographic and obstetric; self-medication source, recommendations, and conditions; most commonly used medications and herbal medicine; reasons for self-medications. A total of 230 pregnant women were included in the study. The chi-square test was used to test associations between variables and the binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between self-medication practice and explanatory variables. A P value of <0.05 was deemed significant in the final model. RESULTS Of the 230 pregnant women interviewed, 67% were multigravida, 184 (80%) practiced self-medication, 45.6% used pharmaceutical products, commonly analgesics (32.5%), and 21.9% used herbal remedies, including peppermint (19.4%) and citrus fruits (17.5%). Self-medication was used for nausea (49.5%) and heartburn (46.2%). Reasons for self-medication included belief in safety (40%) and the expense of physician fees (28.1%). Socio-demographic characteristics and the prevalence of self-medication in pregnant women showed no significant associations. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study showed that the prevalence of self-medication reported by pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Sudan was high and included approved drugs and herbal medicines, mainly from pharmacies, and was driven by the perception that all medications supplied by pharmacies were safe.

Knowledge and Attitude of Congolese Women of Childbearing Age Regarding the Risks and Consequences of Self-Medication: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Regulations on the sell and use of medicines in the Democratic Republic of Congo are at a rudimentary level. Self-medication is frequently used and it practice in all country, and in all social categories. It is the first therapeutic remedy used by the Congolese, before going to a hospital institution, if and only if the disease persists or worsens. The concern lies in the practice of self-medication among women of childbearing age. Hence the objective of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Congolese women of childbearing age regarding the risks and consequences of self-medication. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, with an analytical aim, carried out among women of childbearing age, in Kinshasa town, during the period from March 15 to November 30, 2022. The selection of participants was made in the 4 districts of the Town, by taking women who met our criteria of selection. Study parameters included sociodemographics, prevalence, and determinants of self-medication. Results: In total, 402 subjects have been enroled (mean age 27.3 ±8.4), women in the age group of 25-34 years (53.5%), singles (56.0%), with a high level of education (76.4%) and having a profession (59.2%). The majority of women knew the person authorized to prescribe the medications (78.6%), knew of the existence of self-medication (77.4%), and even practiced it (76.4%); but the majority (78.1%) were unaware of the dangers resulting from the practice of self-medication. The majority of them (64.4%) are victims of complications from self-medication. Civil status and religion remain therisk factors independently associated withself-medication. Conclusion: The Congolese woman of childbearing age, single and with a high level of education, knows the role of the Doctor in medical prescription, knows the existence and practice of self-medication, while ignoring the dangers that can result from it, despite She herself is a victim of complications from self-medication. This practice had as risk factors, marital status and religion.

IJCM_220A: Proportion of self-medication among elderly in a tertiary hospital in southern Kerala - a cross sectional study

Background: The use of drugs, herbs, or home remedies on one’s own initiative, or on the advice of another person, without consulting a doctor. Over-the-counter availability of medicines, promotion of drugs, lack of proper awareness regarding the drug and its side effects, unheeded drug policies are all leading causes of antimicrobial resistance in today’s world. Objectives: To determine the proportion and determinants of self-medication among elderly individuals above 50 years of age visiting the district hospital in South Kerala Methodology: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted in the inpatients above 50 years of age from the Medicine, Surgery, Pulmonology, Cardiology departments of the district hospital, Kollam. Minimum sample size was calculated to be 156 and convenience sampling was done. A semi-structured questionnaire was formulated, and data was collected in interview mode over the months of June-July 2022. Data was tabulated using MS-Excel and statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 21. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Chi square test was used to test any differences between proportions. Results: Among 156 participants more than half of the study participants (52.6%) with a history of self-medication described as more often (51.2%). 50% with history reported symptoms like gastritis, followed by diarrhoea, anxiety and sleep disturbances. The most commonly self-medicated drugs were Paracetamol (85.4%) followed by cetirizine (14.6%), cough syrups (12.2%) and antibiotics (9.7%) like Azithromycin and Amoxiclav Conclusion: Self-medication practices come with a lot of potential risks, like incorrect self-diagnosis, severe adverse reactions, delay in seeking medical care, incorrect choice of therapy and administration of drugs, drug interactions, masking of severe disease, dependence and abuse.

Investigation of the Prevalance of Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Students in Afganistan : Insight From Kabul Medical University

Self-medication with antibiotics poses a significant public health challenge worldwide, contributing to antimicrobial resistance and adverse health outcomes. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with self-medication among medical students at Kabul Medical University in 2021. A descriptive approach was employed, utilizing online questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 216 participants. Results revealed a high prevalence of self-medication, with 67.1% of students reporting antibiotic use in the past year and 56.2% engaging in self-medication during the same period. Sore throat emerged as the most commonly self-treated ailment, indicating a tendency to misuse antibiotics for minor symptoms. Reasons for self-medication included perceived symptom severity, previous experience, and the convenience of antibiotic use. Financial constraints and time limitations also influenced this behaviour. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to promote responsible antibiotic use and mitigate the risks associated with self-medication. Educational campaigns, regulatory measures, and healthcare reforms are recommended to address the multifaceted drivers of self-medication. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and determinants of self-medication with antibiotics among medical students, highlighting the importance of public health initiatives in curbing inappropriate antibiotic use and safeguarding antimicrobial efficacy.

Practices and determinants of self-medication among undergraduate medical students of Peshawar, Pakistan

Self-medication, which often includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications, is described as a global public health issue affecting a vast number of individuals. The rate of self-medication has risen considerably among medical students, as evidenced by various published studies. Self-medication was reported to be quite common (88.4%) when 389 medical students were polled about it. The frequency were found higher in female students (66.3%) as compared to male students (22.1%) with significant p-value (p=0.007). The most frequently used items were painkillers (77.57%), antipyretics (52.06%), cough and cold medications (48.71%), antitussives (40.20%) and antibiotics (30.92%). They primarily purchased self-medication supplies from pharmacies and extensively relied on family members and their own prior medical experiences for knowledge on the medications they used (p&lt;0.05). However, among these medical students, the idea of self-medication is well-established because they realized that mild illnesses could be treated without visiting a doctor. High levels of education and professional success have been said to be indicators of self-medication. The results suggest that in order to prevent the rising trend of self-medication, rigorous laws should be implemented that prohibit the distribution of pharmaceuticals without a valid prescription. The risks of self-medication should be made known to young people, especially females.

Self-medication with ophthalmic drugs and its associated factors among ophthalmic patients attending three hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and practice of self-medication and its associated factors among ophthalmic patients.DesignAn analytical cross-sectional study design was employed.SettingThree hospitals inAsmara, Eritrea.ParticipantsSamples of ophthalmic outpatients aged >18 years...

Antibiotic Self-Medication and Antibiotic Resistance: Multilevel Regression Analysis of Repeat Cross-Sectional Survey Data in Europe

Antibiotic resistance is a global public health issue with several anthropogenic drivers, including antibiotic consumption. Recent studies have highlighted that the relationship between antibiotic consumption and antibiotic resistance is contextualised by a variety of socioeconomic, cultural, and governance-related drivers of consumption behaviour and contagion that have been underexamined. A potential complication for research and policy is that measures of antibiotic consumption are often reliant on prescribing or sales data which may not easily take into account the dynamics of community consumption that include self-medication; for example, the preservation and use of leftover medication or the obtaining of antibiotics without a prescription. This study uses repeated cross-sectional survey data to fulfil two core aims: firstly, to examine the individual-level and national-contextual determinants of self-medication among antibiotic consumers in European countries, and secondly, to examine the relationship between self-medication behaviour and antibiotic resistance at the national level. This study is particularly novel in its application of a multilevel modelling specification that includes individual-level factors with both time-variant and persistent national characteristics to examine antibiotic consumption behaviours. The key findings of the study are that survey respondents in countries with persistently higher levels of inequality, burdens of out-of-pocket health expenditure, and corruption have an increased probability of self-medicating with antibiotics. The study also highlights that overall levels of antibiotic consumption and antibiotic self-medication do not correlate and are associated heterogeneously with changes in different pathogen/antibiotic pairs. In summary, the study emphasises that antibiotic stewardship and antibiotic resistance, whilst related by biological mechanisms, are also inherently social issues. Attempts to improve antibiotic stewardship and address the challenge of antibiotic resistance should also attend to structural challenges that underlie challenges to antibiotic stewardship in the community, such as the effects of inequality and reduced access to healthcare services.

Self-Medication Practices: A Threatening Challenge

Background and Objectives: Self-Medication is a growing concern for the health authorities especially in Urban population. This research was aimed to find the various determinants of Self-Medication and to assess the influence of Pharmacists, Perception about doctors, Self- Knowledge gaining attitude of the patients on Self-Medication.&#x0D; Methods: This study was conducted in Nagpur city with a random sample constituting house wives, students, professionals and Businessman. The sample size was 71. Descriptive analyses, correlation analyses and multiple regressions were performed using SPSS Version 21.0.&#x0D; Results: The results indicated that 80% of the housewives take the medicines on the basis of previous prescription, word of mouth or on the suggestion of the pharmacist. It was alarming to find that 76% of the students took the medicines on the basis of web search. Fever (39%), headache (33%) &amp; Abdominal pain (23%) are the prominent reasons for Self-Medication. There was a positive correlation between Advice of Pharmacist, Self-knowledge collection attitude of the patient with the Self-Medication behavior. NSAID’s, anti-allergen and antibiotics are the most frequently used drugs.&#x0D; Conclusion: Self-medication is an important health issue prevalent in India. Over the counter (OTC) and Old prescriptions available with the patients leads to rise in Self-Medication. There should be a strict regulatory control on procurement of drugs from the pharmacist.

Pattern and determinants of self-medication among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in primary health care facilities in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

Background: Self medication in pregnancy has continued to be on the front burner of the global public health discourse due to the increased incidence of abortion, foetal malformation and antimicrobial resistance that were found to be associated with it. Inspite of this burden, in Nigeria, most studies on self-medication were conducted on the general population with only a few carried out among pregnant women. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication among pregnant women in Oyo State. Methods: The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional survey. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 347 pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics at 56 primary health care facilities in Ogbomoso. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the practice of self-medication. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25; bivariate analysis was done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of self-medication in pregnancy. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 27.0 ± 6 years. The majority (76.6%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of self-medication. About half of the respondents self-medicated with the analgesics (83.1%), antibiotics (66.7%) and antimalarial drugs (28.9%). Nausea and vomiting (90.4%), diarrhoea (67.8%), back pain (62.1%) and fever (28.8%) were the common medical problems. The main reasons for self-medication were previous experience with the drugs (50.9%), the suggestion by family about the drugs (45.2%) and advice from the community pharmacists (31.6%). The proportion of the respondents who used herbal concoction was 30.0% and the reasons given for the herbal use were low cost (47.6%) and perceived efficacy (42.9%). The proportion of pregnant women who gave a history of abnormality in the previously born baby (ies) was 13.0%. Cleft lip (66.7%) was the most prevalent abnormality. The determinants of self-medication were age (aOR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.33- 0.97), education (aOR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.49 - 0.99), confidence in other health workers’ prescription (aOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.15 – 0.88), relief from discomfort (aOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.46 – 5.42) and suggestion by families (aOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.62 – 8.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication was high and was more pronounced among married, urban dwellers and those with post-basic education including the respondents aged 25 years and above. This may be explained by the higher proportion of the respondents with poor knowledge of self-medication. Health education, especially during antenatal clinics, on the dangers associated with self-medication in pregnancy, is therefore recommended.

Prevalence and determinants of self-medication with antibiotics among general population in Afghanistan

ABSTRACT Objective Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a common cause of antibiotic resistance, a major public health problem. This research aimed to identify the prevalence of SMA and explore reasons for practicing SMA among people living in Kabul, Afghanistan. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to November 2017 in 12 community pharmacies operating across Kabul, Afghanistan. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify the factors associated with the use of SMA. Results Out of 385 participants, 282 (73.2%) practiced SMA during the last year. Overall, 241 (62.6%) were ‘very concerned’ about the use of SMA, and 156 (40.5%) highlighted it is bad to practice SMA. The top three antibiotics used for self-medication were penicillin (ATC class: J01C), metronidazole (ATC: P01AB01), and ceftriaxone (ATC: J01DD04). Economic problems, lack of time to visit doctors, and ease of use were cited as the main reasons for practicing SMA. Furthermore, female participants were less likely to practice SMA compared to male counterparts. Conclusion While efforts should be directed to enforce strict drug regulations system and awareness programs, priority should be given to provide accessible, affordable, and quality health care services to increase citizen’s compliance to appropriate drug prescriptions.

Prevalence and determinants of self medication use among the adult population residing in a sub urban areas near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Background:Self-medication in urban population seems to increase but the available information is scarce. It is essential to generate evidence regarding the burden and determinants to plan for a public health intervention to address this problem. Our study is an attempt to ascertain the research may show the prevalence and determinants of self-medication among adults population of urban Tamil Nadu.Methods:A community-based cross sectional study was conducted among 408 adults residing in a sub urban areas near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Probability proportionate to size of sampling technique (PPS) was used to decide the number of adults to be included in the study. House to house interview was done using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire. Informed written consent was obtained from the participants.Results:Around 132 out of 406 of our study population (32.5%, 95% CI: 27.9, 37.06) reported that they are using self-medication at least once in the past 6 months. It was found that males are 1.5 times more likely to use self-medication than females (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.39, P value: 0.036) and younger adults (age <30 years) are 55% less likely to use self-medication than the adults greater than 30 years (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.72, P value: 0.001).Conclusion:Increasing prevalence of self-medication use qualifies it to be considered as the public health problem. Gender discrimination and lack of prioritizing geriatric heath care needs in a routine health system are some of the other problems identified. These problems have to be addressed by the public health planners and policy makers to provide equitable and quality health care.

Impact of a Mass Media Campaign on Adults’ Knowledge and Attitudes towards Antibiotic Use

Background & Objective(s): Self-medication with antibiotics is a worldwide problem and a major driver of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The objectives were to estimate the frequency, describe pattern and identify possible determinants of self-medication with antibiotics among adults in Misurata and to evaluate the impact of a mass media campaign on their knowledge and attitude regarding self-medication with antibiotics. Methods: In the 1st phase, a cross sectional design was used and 277 adults accompanying patients attending the outpatient clinics of Misurata Central Hospital were interviewed using a predesigned structured questionnaire. Data about pattern of antibiotic use, knowledge and attitude was collected. In the 2nd phase, an intervention design (one group pretest post-test design) was used. A two months mass media campaign in the form of a radio program (one episode/week for eight weeks), a TV episode and written articles in Misurata University magazine about the correct use of antibiotics was launched and its effect was assessed after three months. Results: Among adults using antibiotics, 39.5% used it as self-medication. Several defects in the pattern of antibiotic use was noticed including the duration of use, indication, and course completion. Almost two thirds had poor knowledge about antibiotics, while the majority had neutral or positive attitudes. The mean knowledge and attitude scores regarding antibiotics had significantly increased after the mass media campaign (from 9.03± 3.02 to 18.1± 4.21 and from 23.17± 5.11 to 25.81± 4.83, respectively). Conclusion: The study highlighted the extent of inappropriate use of antibiotics and the potential effectiveness of using mass media campaigns in raising the public awareness about antibiotics.

Determinants of Self-Medication With Antibiotics in European and Anglo-Saxon Countries: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Background: Self-medication with antibiotics, which comes in different forms [e.g., leftover or over-the-counter (OTC) use], contributes to antimicrobial resistance as it often happens in a non-prudent manner. In order to tackle this persistent public health problem, its drivers need to be known. The aim of this study was therefore to identify determinants of self-medication with antibiotics via a systematic literature review.Methods: A comprehensive search on determinants of self-medication with antibiotics in the ambulatory care was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for studies published between January 2000 and March 2017. There was no limit on the language nor on the type of study. The search was restricted to European and Anglo-Saxon countries. Pairs of reviewers independently screened the abstracts and full texts and performed a quality assessment.Results: From the initial 664 abstracts, 54 publications that included 44 countries were retrieved of which most identified patient related determinants. Important determinants include storing antibiotics at home, poor access to healthcare, and having the intention to self-medicate. Healthcare professionals contribute to the practice of self-medication when catering for demanding and socially vulnerable patients. Healthcare system related determinants include dispensing antibiotics in whole packages and the lack of enforcement of medicine regulations. For some determinants (e.g., patients' age) contradictory results were found.Conclusion: Self-medication with antibiotics is driven by a variety of determinants on the patient, healthcare professional, and system levels. Policy makers should recognise the complexity of self-medication in order to develop multifaceted interventions that target healthcare professionals and patients simultaneously.

Determinants of Self-medication of Children by Their Parents at Kisangani

Determinants of Self-medication of Children by Their Parents at Kisangani

Patterns and determinants of self-medication among university students in Saudi Arabia

Objective To investigate the characteristics and determinants of self-medication practice among university students in a readily accessible medication retail market. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire distributed to university students in Saudi Arabia. Demographics, practices, attitudes and knowledge-based variables were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the potential determinants of self-medication, intention to self-medicate and self-medication with antibiotics (SMA). Key findings Of the 1046 participants, 686 (65.6%) practised self-medication in the preceding year, with an average practice frequency of 3.44 ± 8.05. Headache relievers (82.94%) and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (67.78%) were the commonest classes used. Antibiotics were consumed by 197 (28.8%) self-medicating students. Self-reported compliance rates were 51.64% and 21.57% to recommended dose and to treatment duration, respectively. Among potential determinants of self-medication, only smoking status (P = 0.031) and medication knowledge (P = 0.034) were found to be significant. Health orientation (P < 0.01) and chronic disease status (P = 0.043) represented additional determinants for holding the intention to self-medicate. Although higher medication knowledge was positively associated with self-medication, it appears to have a protective effect against the ‘intention-to-self-medicate’ outcome (P < 0.05). College major (but not medication knowledge) and smoking status, academic year rank and health insurance status were found to be significant determinants of SMA (P < 0.05). Conclusion Although prescription-only medications were consumed, self-medication among university students remained majorly within the arena of over-the-counter medications in this less-restrictive market. Smoking and medication knowledge appear to represent important determinants of self-medication practice in this population.

Prevalence of self-medication among university students in Baghdad: a cross-sectional study from Iraq.

The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence and determinants of self-medication among college students in Baghdad, Iraq. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Al-Mustansiriyah and Al-Nahrain universities, Baghdad, from January to April 2015. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted to collect data from 1435 college students using a questionnaire form. The mean age of the joining students was 19.8 years. Females form 53% of the sample. Self-medications use was prevalent among 92.4% of students. Antipyretics and antibiotics were the most used medicines. Self-medication was higher among urban residents (OR= 7.99, P < 0.001). Students living with their families practiced self-medication more than others (OR= 2.501, P = 0.037). Students at health-related colleges showed greater resilience to self-medication (OR=0.455, P = 0.001). Despite free access to healthcare institutions, nine out of ten college students from Baghdad universities have practiced self-medication. Education of students about the safe use of medications and supervision of pharmacies are effective ways to control this malpractice.

Pattern and Attitudes of Self Medication among Nursing Students in Alexandria

Background: Self medication is a common practice worldwide and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern because of its serious implications. Aim of the study: was to assess pattern and attitudes of self medication among students. Subjects & methods: Research design: An analytical design was used. Setting: Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University. Subjects: 440 undergraduate students. Tool of data collection: One tool was used for data collection namely nursing students' pattern and attitudes of self medication structured interview questionnaire to identify data related to students’ socio-demographic characteristics, physical health status, health care services utilization as well as pattern of self medication. Additionally, students' attitude towards self medication. Results: Findings of the present study revealed that the majority (82.3%) of the students were self medicated and more than one third (37%) of them had positive attitude towards self medication. Age, place of residence, presence of chronic diseases, availability and use of health services are determinants of self medication. Conclusion: The study concluded that self medication is prevalent problem among students with multiple determinants such as students' gender, working status, place of residence, presence of chronic diseases, utilization and satisfaction of health services as well as attitude towards such practice. Recommendations: Educational campaigns are needed to raise the students' awareness towards the prevention and control of self-medication.

Determinants of self-medication among undergraduate students at King Saud University: Knowledge, attitude and practice

Background and Objectives: In Saudi Arabia, most drugs can be obtained from pharmacies without a professional prescription, and despite the prevalence of self-medication, few comprehensive studies were conducted to assess this practice. This study was performed to evaluate self-medication and its pattern among different groups of King Saud University students. Materials and Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2014 to April 2015. The targeted population of the study was 477 out of 35,810 undergraduate medical and non-medical students at King Saud University. Data were analysed using SPSS (21.0), and descriptive statistics was used to describe the categorical study and outcome variables. Chi-square test was used to compare the distribution of proportions. Results: The prevalence of self-medication within the study period was 50.9% of the respondents (45.18% male and 54.02% female). Cold and flu symptoms were the most common indication among medical (74%) and non-medical students (88.2%). Bacterial and viral infections (P = 0.001) were a common indication among the medical students (19.4%). Analgesics (P = 0.333) was the most common drug used in self-medication among medical (89.7%) and non-medical students (85.3%). Aspirin (P = 0.013) and herbals (P = 0.0001) were reported to be predominantly used by the non-medical students. Conclusion: Half of the respondents practice self-medication; which demonstrates the need to raise public awareness, becoming more conscious during drug utilisation and the pharmacists' advisory role. In addition, further studies should be conducted to assess the herbals' practice in our community as their use was reported to be high in the results.

Determinants of self-medication with NSAIDs in a Portuguese community pharmacy.

Background:Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a widely used therapeutic group in the world, and particularly in the Portuguese population.Objective:To compare NSAID’s use by prescription and self-medication acquisition and to determine the pattern of indication of NSAIDs, their usage profile and possible implications for patients’ safety.Methods:A cross-sectional design was used where individuals presenting at a community pharmacy requesting NSAIDs during the study period (one month) were invited to answer a face-to-face interview where socio-demographic characteristics, the indication pattern and previous experience of side effects were assessed. A follow-up interview was performed one week later to assess the incidence of adverse effects. The study was ethically approved.Results:A sample of 130 NSAIDs users was recruited, comprising mostly women (n=87; 66.9%), actively employed (n=77; 59.2%) and presenting a mean age of 49.5 years old (SD=20.49). An equal proportion of individuals acquired NSAIDs by self-medication and with medical prescription (n=65; 50%). Over 4/5 of patients (n=57; 87.7%) acquiring NSAIDs without a prescription were self-medicated by their own initiative, and only 10.8% (n=7) had been advised by the pharmacist. The most commonly acquired active substances were ibuprofen and diclofenac. Self-medicated users more frequently resorted to topical NSAIDs following short term treatments. The major underlying condition motivating NSAIDs sought were musculoskeletal disorders (45.0%), regardless of the regimen. An important proportion of prevalent users of NSAIDs reported previous experience of adverse effects (11.3%). One week after initiating NSAID therapy, a small proportion of patients reported incidence of adverse effects.Conclusion:Self-medication with NSAIDs is sought for numerous medical conditions. Reported adverse effects (prevalent and incident) confirm the need for a more rational use of NSAIDs and ongoing pharmacovigilance.

Household storage of medicines and self-medication practices in south-east Islamic Republic of Iran

Self-medication and inappropriate storage of medicines at home are potential health risks. This crosssectional study in south-east Islamic Republic of Iran in 2010 aimed to determine where householders kept their medicines and to assess the frequency and determinants of self-medication. Householders from different parts of Birjand city (n = 500) were visited and completed a semi-structured questionnaire. Analgesics were the most common medicines stored at home, followed by adult cold remedies and antibiotics. The refrigerator was the most common place for storing medicines (50.6%). Most householders did not consult the package inserts. Many householders (53.6%) reported that they practised self-medication, and the frequency of reuse of physicianprescribed antibiotics was high. There was a significant association between self-medication and educational level but not with age, sex, martial status, occupation and type of insurance. Better public knowledge and information about storage and risks of reuse of prescription medications is needed.