Artículo
Self-medication in Ophthalmology: A Questionnaire-based Study in an Argentinean Population
Marquez, Gabriel E.; Torres, Victor Eduardo Roque
; Sanchez, Victoria M.; Gramajo, Ana L.; Zelaya, Nilda; Peña, Fernando Y.; Juarez, Claudio P.; Luna, José Domingo
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Fecha de publicación:
07/2012
Editorial:
Taylor & Francis
Revista:
Ophthalmic Epidemiology
ISSN:
0928-6586
Idioma:
Inglés
Tipo de recurso:
Artículo publicado
Clasificación temática:
Resumen
Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify practices of self-medication in the treatment of ocular conditions and to identify a profile of patients who self-medicate. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey of patients, over the age of 17 years seen in our ophthalmology practice in Cordoba, Argentina. Self-medication was defined as the use of ophthalmic medicines which had not been prescribed by a health care specialist in the previous year. Results: The sample included 379 subjects, 162 males (43%) and 217 females (57%); mean age 46.8 years. Prior to looking for medical attention in our institution, 97 patients (25.6%) reported self-medicating. The most frequently employed products included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops in combination with a vasoconstrictive agent (32%) followed by a combination of antibiotics and steroids (9%), however, 14% of patients did not remember the name or type of medication applied. A total of 31% of patients used drugs recommended by a pharmacist; 25% used drugs of their own choosing and 24% followed suggestions from a friend or family member. Only 12% of patients knew the drug’s components and only 3% were aware of any possible side effects. There was no difference in behavior patterns related to educational level or age, however, there was a significant difference related to gender, with males misusing ophthalmic drops more frequently than women (P = 0.004). Conclusions: Patients commonly attempt to treat conditions that require ophthalmologic care by self-medicating with over-the-counter eye drops. Educational efforts to inform patients of the consequences of self-medication are necessary.
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Articulos(CIECS)
Articulos de CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIONES Y ESTUDIO SOBRE CULTURA Y SOCIEDAD
Articulos de CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIONES Y ESTUDIO SOBRE CULTURA Y SOCIEDAD
Citación
Marquez, Gabriel E.; Torres, Victor Eduardo Roque; Sanchez, Victoria M.; Gramajo, Ana L.; Zelaya, Nilda; et al.; Self-medication in Ophthalmology: A Questionnaire-based Study in an Argentinean Population; Taylor & Francis; Ophthalmic Epidemiology; 19; 4; 7-2012; 236-241
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