Self-medication in older adults from the El Carmelo community and associated factors
Keywords:
ANCIANO; AUTOMEDICACIÓN; FACTORES DE RIESGO., AGED; SELF MEDICATION; RISK FACTORS., IDOSO; AUTOMEDICAÇÃO; FATORES DE RISCO.Abstract
Introduction: self-medication among older adults is a common and concerning practice that carries potential negative health consequences.
Objective: to characterize the factors associated with self-medication in older adults from the El Carmelo Parish.
Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 200 older adults belonging to the El Carmelo Parish in the city of Tulcán. A questionnaire was applied to collect information, which allowed the analysis of variables using descriptive statistical methods. Results: among the sociocultural and economic factors identified, 75 % of older adults belong to the rural sector, 54 % have primary-level education, 37 % report monthly income below 50 USD, 37 % are widowed, and 65 % lack social security affiliation. Fifty-four percent of participants reported self-medicating once per week (42 %); medications are rarely obtained through medical prescriptions (39 %). The main reason for self-medication was lack of economic resources (39 %). Cold medicines were the most frequently consumed (32 %), with headache (35 %) and drowsiness (24 %) being the main adverse effects experienced.
Conclusions: Self-medication should be considered a frequent event and a modifiable risk factor. There is a clear need for state intervention through public policies aimed at this vulnerable group to ensure comprehensive care.
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