Resumen

QUIROS ENRIQUEZ, Maira et al. Self-medication among Workers of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos. Medisur [online]. 2012, vol.10, n.6, pp. 495-500. ISSN 1727-897X.

Background: Self-medication is a worldwide problem given its high incidence and the risk it poses to the wellbeing of those who practice it. Objective: To characterize the use of nonprescription drugs in workers of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos who are not health professionals. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. It included interviews to 49 workers of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos that were not health professionals. The most important variables included in the study were age, sex, educational level, personal medical history, self-medication, drug groups used and approval of self-medication. They were processed and the results were expressed as numbers and percentages. Results: Most workers have practiced self-medication at least once in their lives, predominantly women from 40 to 49 years old, with higher educational level. The most commonly used drug types were analgesics and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antihistamines and psychiatric drugs. Many workers suffer from other diseases, for which they also take various medications. The vast majority disapprove of self-medication, even those who make use of it and consider it a risk to their health. Conclusions: Much remains to be clarified on this phenomenon, which is obviously also a problem in our society. Therefore, we should conduct efforts to promote rational and responsible use of medication for ensuring the health of the population.

Palabras clave : self medication; workers; universities; schools, medical; health knowledge, attitudes, practice.

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