Automedicação em usuários da atenção primária à saúde

Abstract

This article aimed to estimate the prevalence, motivators and factors associated with self medication in adults and the elderly treated in Primary Health Care. This is a cross-sectional study carried out from May to August 2019. The statistics comprised the calculation of the prevalence of self-medication, with a recall period of 30 days and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). In order to check the adjusted factors, gross and adjusted Prevalence Ratios (PR) were calculated. The sample consisted of 1,365 users, with an outcome prevalence of 55% (95% CI 53-58), which was higher in women (PR = 1.33; 95% CI 1.17-1.52), adults (PR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.14-1.41) and in those with 12 or more years of study (PR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.09-1.37). The main motivators were pain (89%), flu, cold and sore throat (18.9%) and fever (6.9%). There was an important prevalence of self-medication, especially in women, young people and those with higher education. Considering the risks, the need for public policies to prevent the indiscriminate use of medicines is highlighted.