The prevalence and motivation of self-medication practice in society and the role of nursing

• Autor(a) principal: Araújo, Brida Feire de
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Outros Autores: Cavalcante, Janine Alves de Souza, Passos, Marco Aurélio Ninômia
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Revista JRG de Estudos Acadêmicos
• Texto Completo: http://revistajrg.com/index.php/jrg/article/view/571
• topic: Automedicação; Enfermagem; Efeitos adversos; Educação em saúde; Self-medication; Nursing; Adverse effects; Health education

Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the reasons behind self-medication practices by analyzing its prevalence, along with the analysis of the role of nursing. Methods: This is an integrative literature review with a descriptive analysis, where studies and research on the risks of self-medication were analyzed. For data analysis and collection, articles available in full text published in the last 6 years were considered from the electronic databases of the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Scientific Electronic Library Online - Scielo, and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS). Results: Fourteen articles were selected for discussion and organized separately by category according to the topics addressed. This approach allowed an objective and careful analysis of the proposed conclusions in each article. Conclusion: It was evidenced that the prevalence of self-medication is more common among the female population and, considering the financial condition, the practice is more prevalent among the low-income class. Regarding prevalence, it was concluded that the level of education performs a variable role in erroneous self-medication. Regarding the motivation of individuals for self-medication, it was concluded that among various reasons, the main ones are: the elderly often confuse symptoms of natural aging with pathological symptoms, seeking to alleviate signs and symptoms through erroneous self-medication. The presence of a home medicine cabinet, desire for self-care, and lack of time for a consultation with a healthcare professional were also identified as motivations.