THE AUTOMEDICATION CHARACTERISTICS IN COCHABAMBA CITY - DISTRICT 3

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication is the main cause of drug consumption within the irrational use of drugs, it has become a health problem, developing a potential risk for people. The objective of the study is to determine the characteristics about self-medication. Methodology: It is descriptive, transversal and prospective. The selected sample corresponds to 1200 habitants older than 18 years residents district 3, in Cochabamba city . Results: 36 (3%) do not consume drugs without a prescription and 1164 (97%) do so. The sources of information for self-medication are; Television 48 (4%), Internet 252 (21%), family 396 (33%), previous prescription 324 (27%) and another information sources 180 (15%). The frequent symptoms for self-medication are; Headache 372 (31%), Myalgia 336 (28%), Fever 288 (24%), Diarrhea 48 (4%) and another 156 (13%). The frequent drugs that they consume by self-medication are; Analgesics 348 (29%), antibiotics 264 (22%), Influenza 216 (18%), anti-inflammatory 288 (24%), Antiulcer agents 36 (3%) and Vitamins 48 (4%). Discussion: Self-medication is high in relation to other studies, the family is the main source of information to know about medications and headache is the main symptom for this practice of analgesics consumption.