Frecuencia de automedicación para la prevención frente a la pandemia de COVID-19 en la parroquia Baños, Cuenca, Ecuador. 2020-2024

Abstract

Background: the COVID-19 pandemic led to the spread of unsubstantiated information due to the highly contagious and unpredictable nature of the virus, along with the lack of proven medical treatments. This resulted in a desperate search for any method to prevent infection, including products without medical endorsement and with demonstrated risks to human health. Objectives: to identify the frequency and primary medications used for COVID-19 prevention, sociodemographic frequencies according to usage, and channels through which information was disseminated among the population of Baños parish, Cuenca, Ecuador, during the pandemic from 2020 to 2024. Methods: this descriptive cross-sectional study protocol aimed to achieve the general objective. The sample comprised 334 participants, representing the entire population over 18 years old in Baños parish. A self-medication prevalence of 72% in Ecuador, as reported by Universidad Central de Quito, was considered. Data collection was conducted at the participants' homes.Results: 71% of the population engaged in self-medication for COVID-19 prevention. Moreover, there was high frequency in the use of analgesics - NSAIDs (50.60%), vitamins and minerals (49.70%), and antivirals (31.44%). Higher prevalence was found among individuals aged 41 to 64 years, females, those in free union, formal employment, mestizos, those with a high school education, and those with incomes below $450. The primary source of information dissemination was the family (51.25%).