PERCEPTION OF SELF-MEDICATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN ADULTS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAILUNDO

Abstract

Self-medication is an increasingly frequent phenomenon around the world that is considered a public health problem. The present study aimed to evaluate the perception of self-medication and its consequences in adults in the Municipality of Bailundo. This is a cross-sectional study that was carried out in the Municipality of Bailundo province of Huambo whose participants were randomly selected in the Municipality of Bailundo. The sample consisted of 50 volunteer individuals who were asked to fill out a questionnaire with 8 questions. After data collection, the data were organized using the Excel 2010 program, after organizing the data, descriptive statistics were performed to present the data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. In relation to the most used drugs, paracetamol had a greater representation, followed by Amoxacillin, Dipyrone in a smaller proportion to Vit c, Metronizol, Clavamox, Aspirin and Mixagrip. Regarding the use of medication in the last 7 days, it was observed that of the 50 evaluated, 48 (96%) used medication during the last 7 days, while 2 participants did not use medication. Regarding the use of medication in the family, 30 participants stated that they had at least one of the members using medication on a regular basis. The consequences reported by the participants were intoxication (60%), dependence (34%) and death (3%), respectively. Self-measurement represents a public health problem and it is important to take actions that may discourage this practice.