SELF-MEDICATION AND ITS IMPACTS ON POPULATION HEALTH: A COLLECTIVE HEALTH APPROACH

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the impacts of self-medication on population health, considering the main associated factors, risks, and repercussions of this practice within the context of public health. It is an integrative, descriptive review regarding self-medication and its health impacts, employing the PICO strategy and the PubMed, SciELO, and BVS databases. Full-text articles published between 2021 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were included, resulting in a total of 210 identified studies and 14 selected ones. The research utilized publicly accessible secondary data, involving no human participants or the need for ethical approval. Analysis of the 14 studies revealed that self-medication is frequent across different populations and contexts, with varying prevalence rates influenced by social, economic, and individual factors. The most commonly used medications included analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics; notable risks included adverse effects, drug interactions, toxicity, and antimicrobial resistance. The findings reinforce that self-medication constitutes a significant public health issue requiring health education initiatives, professional guidance, and the promotion of rational medication use. Self-medication was found to be frequent and associated with adverse effects, interactions, toxicity, and inappropriate medication use, influenced by social and economic factors as well as access to health services.