Factores asociados a la automedicación en mujeres de 25 a 65 años del Centro Comercial “El Arenal”, Cuenca. 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Self-medication in the adult population constitutes a serious problem of Public Health worldwide, advertising on medicines promotes this behavior in the population. In order to optimize the prescription and consumption of medications, a group of communication, education and information actions are required, with the aim of achieving attitudes and behaviors consistent with the problem. GENERAL OBJECTIVE: to identify the factors associated with self-medication in women aged 25 to 65 who work in the “El Arenal” shopping center, Cuenca. 2019 METHODOLOGY: quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The sample was 203 women associated in the shopping center "El Arenal". A structured survey was used, after signing the informed consent. In the data analysis, the SPSS version 22 program was used. RESULTS: The average age in the population of women studied was 43 years with a 50-year fashion. E 37% had a basic education level, 56% married, 56% of urban origin and 96% of mixed race ethnicity. The group of medications most commonly used were analgesics for 54.2% and among them the most used was paracetamol in its different commercial presentations. Most women believe it is risky to self-medicate, but despite that they practice it. The lack of time to go to medical consultation in 39% motivated self-medication. Conclusions: the most important factor that leads to the consumption of over-the-counter medications was the lack of time to go to a doctor's office.