PERCEPÇÃO E COMPORTAMENTO DOS PACIENTES EM RELAÇÃO À AUTOMEDICAÇÃO: O PAPEL DO FARMACÊUTICO NA ORIENTAÇÃO E EDUCAÇÃO

Abstract

Self-medication is a practice that permeates the reality of many patients, often influenced by a series of factors, such as ease of access to medications and the search for quick solutions to common symptoms. Understanding patients' perception and behavior in relation to self-medication is fundamental to developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. The general objective is to investigate patients' perception and behavior in relation to self-medication, as well as evaluating the role of the pharmacist in guidance and education of these patients, aiming to contribute to the promotion of safer and more responsible use of medicines. This article was carried out through an integrative literature review, with a descriptive method and a qualitative approach. “Descriptive research requires the researcher to provide a series of information about what they want to research. This type of study aims to describe the facts and phenomena of a given reality.” Patients' perception and behavior regarding self-medication are influenced by a series of factors, including familiarity with symptoms, ease of access to over-the-counter medications, influence of friends and family, among others. Pharmacists can play a proactive role in promoting health by providing accurate information about the appropriate use of medications, identifying potential health problems that require medical evaluation, and encouraging patients to seek professional assistance when necessary.