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Souza KBDE, Wyse EL, Nasre-Nasser RG, Veber AP, Muccillo-Baisch AL, Arbo BD, Silva Júnior FMRDA, Hort MA. Prevalence and predictors of self-medication to prevent or treat COVID-19 among undergraduate students in Southern Brazil. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2024; 96:e20230114. [PMID: 38808811 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202420230114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-medication (SM) is the practice of consuming medicines without a prescription. Despite being a potentially dangerous action, SM is practiced globally and has been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate SM for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 and the factors associated with this practice among undergraduate students in Southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2020 using an electronic questionnaire to collect information about the practice of SM and the associated sociodemographic characteristics, health perception, and lifestyle. We collected 1,553 responses and identified a prevalence of 14.9% for SM. The risk factors for SM were earning between BRL 2,101 and BRL 5,250, studying at a public university, and studying a distance undergraduate course. The protective factors were age above 30 years, female sex, working or participating in internships, occasionally recommending their own medications to other people, and worsening health during the pandemic. The main drugs or products used were ivermectin, vitamins C and D, tea, azithromycin, zinc, and propolis. Our data could help in the development of health education measures to reduce SM among undergraduate students and guide the population regarding the risks of this practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline B DE Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduarda L Wyse
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Carreiros, Avenida Itália, s/n, Km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Raif Gregorio Nasre-Nasser
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas (Endocrinologia), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcellos, 2400, 2º andar, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Veber
- Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Setor de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Avenida Carlos Cavalcanti, 4748, 84030-900 Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Muccillo-Baisch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Carreiros, Avenida Itália, s/n, Km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruno D Arbo
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Instituto de Ciências Básicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Farmacologia, Rua Ramiro Barcellos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Flávio Manoel R DA Silva Júnior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Carreiros, Avenida Itália, s/n, Km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana A Hort
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Carreiros, Avenida Itália, s/n, Km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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Moseray A, Fatoma P, Kamara ABS. Assessing the Reasons and Adverse Effects of Self-Medication in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sierra Leone. A Case Study of Moriba Town Section. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:1-13. [PMID: 38193011 PMCID: PMC10771730 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s444658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare resources has led to an increase in self-medication as a coping mechanism. The purpose of the study is to investigate the prevalence of self-medication, the reasons behind it, and its potential consequences during the pandemic. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Moriba Town, Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone. Using a multistage systematic sampling technique, 246 adult participants were selected. Data were collected using Kobo collect electronic platform and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results Out of the 246 adult residents who were sampled, 63 (26%) practiced self-medication. Among them, females (33 or 52%) were more prevalent than males (30 or 48%). The most dominant age groups for self-medication were 38-47 (22 or 35%) and 28-37 (18 or 29%). The major reasons for self-medication were fear of infection (189 or 77%), fear of quarantine (199 or 81%), and stigma (189 or 77%). Delays in treatment (113 or 46%) and unavailability of Covid-19 medications (92 or 37%) were also cited. However, a majority of respondents (162 or 66%) denied the influence of friends or media (168 or 68%) on their decision to self-medicate. Reasons like "delay in receiving treatment" and "influence of friends" showed significant association with self-medication (pValue <0.05). More than half of the respondents 177 (72%) did not practice self-medication before the pandemic. Adverse reactions due to self-medication included skin rashes and blisters 29 (45%) and drowsiness 24 (38%). Conclusion The prevalence of unsupervised medication before and after the pandemic was minimal suggesting little impact of the pandemic. Fear and social stigma were the main drivers for self-medication. To promote safety and informed health decisions, regulatory measures, and awareness campaigns are essential to control unsupervised medication sales, improve drug labeling, and educate the public about the dangers of self-medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Moseray
- Department of Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University Bo Campus, Bo City, Sierra Leone
| | - Patrick Fatoma
- Department of Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University Bo Campus, Bo City, Sierra Leone
| | - Abu-Bakarr Steven Kamara
- Department of Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University Bo Campus, Bo City, Sierra Leone
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Gu M, Qin T, Qiao K, Bai X, Wang Y, Yang Y, Bai Y, Gao J, Li X. The impact of COVID-19 prevention and control policy adjustment on anxiety, depression and coping behavior in China: a cross-sectional online survey, 21-28 December, 2022. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1801. [PMID: 37715191 PMCID: PMC10503130 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16699-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following external situation reports, individuals perceive risks, experience different emotional reactions, and further change their behaviors. Therefor people's psychology will also be affected by adjustment of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control policy, but it remains unknown what kind of coping behaviors will be produced due to psychology. This study defines coping behavior as "medical behavior and irrational consumption behavior after the adjustment of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control policy in China", assesses the prevalence of negative emotions in the Chinese population after policy adjustments, and explores how negative emotions affect people's coping behaviors, conducts baseline research, provides references and suggestions for policy formulation. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during 21-28 December 2022, included sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 infection and irrational purchase behavior, psychological assessment, and opinion polling. Depression and anxiety status are assessed by PHQ-9 and GAD-7. The relationship between anxiety, depression and coping behavior was analyzed by Pearson χ2 test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 3995 infected participants were included in this study, of which 2363(59.1%) and 1194(29.9%) had depression and anxiety. There was a significant difference in clinical treatment and irrational purchase behavior between different level of depression and anxiety. Depression was a risk factor for self- medication (OR = 1.254), seeking professional treatment (OR = 1.215), using online services of medical institutions (OR = 1.320), large-scale purchases of medicines (OR = 1.154) and masks (OR = 1.096). Anxiety was a risk factor for seeking professional treatment (OR = 1.285) and large-scale purchases of masks (OR = 1.168). CONCLUSION After the adjustment of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control policy, patient risk perception can increase depression and anxiety. We found that associated with depression, COVID-19 patients are more likely to have medical behaviors such as self- medication, seeking professional treatment, using online services of medical institutions, and storage behaviors of medicines and masks; and anxiety associated with the coping behavior of patients to seek professional treatment and store masks in large quantities. We should improve people's mental health, and on the other hand, we should give people effective psychological education during the epidemic. Therefore, we should set up psychological outpatient clinics in community health institutions, expanding mental health screening and guidance; relying on the psychological outpatient clinic, establish groups of people with depression or anxiety to carry out COVID-19 health education and peer education, to reduce adverse drug reactions, avoid panic seeking professional treatment and irrational purchase behavior, and protect public mental health. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Capital Medical University (2023SY086), and informed consent was obtained from the study subjects before the investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Gu
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Tingting Qin
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Kun Qiao
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xinyuan Bai
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yao Wang
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yutong Yang
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yu Bai
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jie Gao
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xingming Li
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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De Clifford-Faugère G, Nguena Nguefack HL, Choinière M, Pagé MG, Blais L, Guénette L, Dorais M, Lacasse A. Trends in Prescription Chronic Pain Medication Use before and during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Québec, Canada: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6493. [PMID: 37569033 PMCID: PMC10419123 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada, a state of health emergency was declared in May 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess trends in the use of prescription medication for pain management by people living with chronic pain before and during the first wave of the pandemic. METHODS Participants (n = 177) were adults reporting chronic pain who had completed a web-based questionnaire in 2019 and for whom complete longitudinal private and public insurance prescription claims were available. The monthly prevalence of medication use for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and prescribed cannabinoids was assessed. An interrupted time series analysis was then performed to evaluate if the COVID-19 pandemic had had an impact on trends in pain medication use. RESULTS The beginning of the first wave of the pandemic was associated with the onset of a downward trend in opioid use (p < 0.05); no such association was found regarding NSAIDs. However, point prevalence of opioid use at the beginning (Nov. 2019) and at the end (Mai 2020) of the study period remained somewhat stable (17.0% vs. 16.4%). Regarding prescribed cannabinoids, a gradual increase in use was observed over the entire study period independently from the impact of the first wave of the pandemic (15.3% vs. 22.6%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION While the occurrence of the first wave did have an impact on opioid use among people living with chronic pain, access to and use of opioids appear to have returned to normal before the end of the first wave of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenaëlle De Clifford-Faugère
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada; (G.D.C.-F.); (H.L.N.N.)
| | - Hermine Lore Nguena Nguefack
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada; (G.D.C.-F.); (H.L.N.N.)
| | - Manon Choinière
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (M.C.); (M.G.P.)
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - M. Gabrielle Pagé
- Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (M.C.); (M.G.P.)
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Lucie Blais
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
| | - Line Guénette
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marc Dorais
- StatSciences Inc., Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, QC J7V 0S2, Canada;
| | - Anaïs Lacasse
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada; (G.D.C.-F.); (H.L.N.N.)
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Almaqhawi A, Alhamad M, Albaqshi B, Alquraini M, Altaha M, Alhussain H, Alfayez R, Ibrahim Ali S. Self-Medication Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among the Adult Population in the Eastern Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e40505. [PMID: 37465789 PMCID: PMC10350656 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-medication is vital to public health because it has an impact on people's health and the current healthcare system, both positively and negatively. During public health catastrophes like the COVID-19 disease, this is particularly true. AIM This study aimed to examine the behavioral response of the community with regard to self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS During the COVID-19 outbreak from March to September 2020, a cross-sectional online survey of 398 participants using structured questionnaires was conducted to observe knowledge, prevalence, patterns, and sources of self-medication among the respondents in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS The percentage of respondents who had heard about self-medication was 50.5%, and those who practiced self-medication during COVID-19 were 43.7% of the respondents. Regarding knowledge, 60.3% had a low overall knowledge level versus 39.7% who had a high knowledge level. Most of those who practiced self-medication took medication based on their own decision (34.4%). The most frequently used drugs during the outbreak were analgesics (43.5%) and vitamins (24.9%). Only 1% of participants reported using anti-malaria drugs (hydroxychloroquine). The most common reasons for self-medication practices were having a mild illness (30.4%), followed by fear of infection (26.6%). The symptoms for which the respondents took self-medication were headache (29.6%), cough (26.6%), and fever (24.6%). CONCLUSION Our investigation showed a low level of knowledge about self-medication and a considerable level of self-medication practices. Therefore, self-medication may be minimized with ongoing awareness-raising and sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Almaqhawi
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Mahdi Alhamad
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Baqer Albaqshi
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Mohammed Alquraini
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Musawi Altaha
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Hassan Alhussain
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Raed Alfayez
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Sayed Ibrahim Ali
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
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Alwhaibi M, Bin Malik S, Alswailem L, Alruthia Y. Self-medication among adults with chronic health conditions: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069206. [PMID: 37068891 PMCID: PMC10111896 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication (SM), the reasons for SM and the relationship between chronic health conditions and SM among adult individuals. SETTING This was an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study disseminated on different social media platforms in Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS Saudi Arabia sample of adult individuals aged 18 and above. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was SM, measured using the following question: 'During the past 6 months, have you used any medicines or dietary supplements, or herbal medicines or vitamins not prescribed or recommended by a doctor?' A positive answer indicates a self-medicated participant. RESULTS Out of 1645 individuals who viewed the study link, 1295 participants completed the survey with a response rate of 95.1%. Overall, 989 (76.4%) participants reported practicing SM in the past 6 months. SM was higher among younger participants, women, those with higher education levels and high income, and working in the health field. About 198 (73.3%) who have chronic conditions practised SM for chronic health conditions, such as (hypertension and hypercholesterolemia). Previous experience with the same illness (n=530, 25.7%) and attempting to save time (n=466, 22.6%) were the main reasons behind SM, according to the participants. Adverse drug events were reported by 204 (20.6%) of self-medicating individuals and 274 (64.9%) of them reported discontinuing SM. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study indicate a high prevalence rate of SM among the adult population in Saudi Arabia. Individuals with chronic health conditions reported a high rate of SM. Launching public education campaigns to improve public awareness of the harms of SM if misused, especially among those with chronic health conditions, is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monira Alwhaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shatha Bin Malik
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leena Alswailem
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yazed Alruthia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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A Formative Assessment of Antibiotic Dispensing/Prescribing Practices and Knowledge and Perceptions of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) among Healthcare Workers in Lahore Pakistan. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101418. [PMID: 36290076 PMCID: PMC9598410 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Antimicrobial resistance causes significant disease burden in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this paper is to describe antibiotic dispensing/prescribing practices and underlying factors associated with these practices among community-based healthcare workers. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were collected from private and public health facilities in 14 union councils, Lahore Pakistan. Respondents included physicians, nurses, lady health workers/volunteers, midwives, pharmacy and medicine shop employees, and medical technicians. Descriptive and bivariate analysis are used to present the data; (3) Results: 177 respondents completed the survey. In terms of weekly dispensing of antibiotics, the most common were Amoxicillin/Augmentin (2.3 [SD 1.5]), Cefixine (2.4 [SD 1.6]), and Azithromycin (2.5 [SD 2.1]). For children, antibiotics were more likely to be prescribed/dispensed for sore throat (54.3%/95) and diarrhea (48.9%/86). For adults, antibiotics were more likely to be prescribed/dispensed for sore throat (67.0%/118), diarrhea (59.7%/105) and burning sensation when urinating (55.7%/176). In total, 55.4% of respondents stated that they have sold partial antibiotic courses to patients/customers. A total of 44.6% of respondents incorrectly answered that antibiotics could be used for viral infections; (4) Conclusions: Data from this study and similar research emphasize the urgent need to implement community-based stewardship programs for all healthcare workers.
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Evaluating Post-Market Adverse Events of The New Hepatitis C Therapies Using FEARS Data. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081400. [PMID: 36011057 PMCID: PMC9408496 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Little is known regarding the safety of direct-acting antivirals (DAA), even though they are widely used. This study aims to evaluate the adverse events of DAA using post-market data. Methods: FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) data from January 2019 through December 2019 were analyzed. FERAS reports in which the suspected drug contained the DAA drugs were extracted and included in the analysis. Univariable and bivariable analyses were performed in this study. Results: Most of the reported side effects were non-serious (62%). The number of times the drug was reported as ineffective was significantly higher while using Harvoni vs. Mavyret (32.14% vs. 1.05%) (p-value < 0.0001). On the other hand, hospitalization was significantly more reported while using Mavyret compared to Harvoni (52.02% vs. 22.45%) (p-value < 0.0001). Liver cancer was significantly more reported while using Harvoni vs. Mavyret (7.65% vs. 1.20%) (p-value < 0.0001). No significant difference in death cases was reported while using both drugs. Conclusion: Depending on the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) database, most of the non-serious adverse effects were headache and fatigue. There was no significant difference in cases of death reported while using both drugs. Liver cancer was more reported while using Harvoni. Hospitalization was more reported while using Mavyret.
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Toure A, Camara SC, Camara A, Conde M, Delamou A, Camara I, Bangoura ST, Camara A, Diallo MB, Keita MB, Kourouma K, Camara R, Etard JF, Keita AK. Self-medication against COVID-19 in health workers in Conakry, Guinea. J Public Health Afr 2022; 13:2082. [PMID: 36051529 PMCID: PMC9425936 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2022.2082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Data regarding the prevalence and consequences of self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa are very limited. The study aimed to explore the frequency and risk factors of self-medication against COVID-19 by health personnel in this study. This cross-sectional study took place in June 2021, in Conakry, in the all three national hospitals and the six community medical centers, and five primary health centers. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with self-medication. A total of 975 health workers with a median age of 31 (IQR: 27-40) years, with 504 (51.7%) women were included. The majority were clinicians: physicians (33.1%) or nurses (33.1%). Of all, 46.2% reported having had at least one COVID-19 symptom during the 12 months preceding the survey. The proportion of self-medication was 15.3% among national hospital staff, 12.20% in municipality medical centers and 22.6% in primary health centers (p=0.06). More than two-thirds (68.7%) who selfmedicated did not have a test for SARSCoV- 2 infection. They took antibiotics including azithromycin, amoxicillin, ampicillin (42.2%), acetaminophen (37.4%), vitamin C (27.9%), hydroxychloroquine (23.8%) and medicinal plants (13.6%). The median duration of self-medication was 4 days. Fatigue or asthenia, sore throat, loss of smell and sore throat of a close person were independently associated with selfmedication. Health care workers largely practiced self-medication during the Covid pandemic and without diagnostic testing. The results suggest the need for training and sensitization of medical personnel to avoid the consequences of the molecules used, including hepatotoxicity and antibiotic resistance.
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Self-Medication with Antibiotics during COVID-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region Countries: A Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060733. [PMID: 35740140 PMCID: PMC9219972 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-treatment with medicines including treatment with antibiotics is a growing global concern, as it can cause public health problems, such as antibiotic resistance and drug toxicity. Therefore, the significance of the self-medication impact of COVID-19 in any region can have an influence on the prevalence of such problems. The review aimed to investigate the self-treatment with antibiotics among the general population in Eastern Mediterranean region countries during COVID-19 pandemic. A comprehensive review of literature in four databases was conducted for the pandemic period from January 2020 to the end of March 2022. Nine studies related to self-treatment with antibiotics were found. The studies were homogeneous in terms of assessing the antibiotic self-treatment usage during the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population and among community pharmacies. The prevalence of self-treatment with antibiotics ranged from 20.8% to 45.8% between the studies. The main reasons for that were cost-saving, fear of COVID-19 infection, quarantine, and ease of accessibility without time limits. Antibiotic self-treatment has been high during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it was less reported during the study period than before the time of the pandemic. There is a need for more restrictions on dispensing antibiotics from community pharmacies. In addition, there is a need to raise awareness among the population regarding self-treatment with antibiotics.
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Nino-Orrego MJ, Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Patricia Ortiz C, Zuluaga HP, Cruz-Becerra SA, Soler F, Pérez-Acosta AM, Delgado DR, Calderon-Ospina CA. Prescription for COVID-19 by non-medical professionals during the pandemic in Colombia: a cross-sectional study. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2022; 13:20420986221101964. [PMID: 35646306 PMCID: PMC9136451 DOI: 10.1177/20420986221101964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the behavior of
self-medication (SM). Given the massive release of misleading information
during the pandemic, some pharmacies recommend drugs such as ivermectin,
azithromycin, and hydroxychloroquine that are not useful for preventing or
treating COVID-19 and could expose patients to unnecessary adverse drug
reactions (ADRs), drug-drug interactions (DDIs), disease masking, and
antibiotic resistance. Rationale: SM with drugs advertised for COVID-19 can have consequences, and people
should be aware of approved uses, potential contraindications, and ADRs.
Thus, the aim of this study was to know the drug therapies including natural
products and homeopathic drugs offered by Colombian pharmaceutical
establishments for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, as well as the
information provided on the safe use of the product. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional mystery shopping study was carried out to
determine the pharmaceutical alternatives for the management of COVID-19
offered by pharmaceutical establishments (drugstores, pharmacies,
homeopathic pharmacies, and nutritional supplements stores) in Colombia, and
information related to the safe use of the product. The study included 482
pharmaceutical establishments from 16 Colombian departments. Data collection
was done through telephone calls to each of the establishments following an
interview protocol pretending to be a patient who presents symptoms related
to COVID-19. Results: About 57.3% (276) of the establishments recommended a product for the
treatment of COVID-19 infection, 66.6% (321) asked whether the caller had
COVID-19 symptoms and what they are, and 44.2% (213) suggested taking a
COVID-19 test. Of 59 drugs suggested by pharmacies, the most recommended
were azithromycin, ivermectin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and ASA (aspirin).
From the establishments that recommended a product, dosage was indicated in
85.5% (236) of the pharmaceutical establishments and 14.5% (40) of the
establishments reported the most common adverse effects of this substance.
About 9.4% (26) of the establishments reported possible interactions of the
recommended drugs and substances with food, beverages, or
supplements.Conclusion: Pharmaceutical establishments in
Colombia seem to have significantly contributed to self-medication for
COVID-19 in Colombia during the pandemic. This behavior is inappropriate,
since the mild forms of the disease do not have a specific treatment. Plain Language Summary Self-medication induced by pharmaceutical establishments in Colombia
during the COVID-19 pandemic Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the
behavior of self-medication (SM). Given the massive release of misleading
information during the pandemic, some pharmacies recommend drugs such as
ivermectin, azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine among others, which are not
useful for preventing or treating COVID-19 and could expose patients to
unnecessary side effects and interactions with other medications. People
should be aware of the approved and non-approved uses, and potential side
effects of these drugs. Rationale: The aim of this study was to
know the drugs, including natural products and homeopathic drugs, offered by
Colombian pharmaceutical establishments for the prevention and treatment of
COVID-19, as well as the information provided on the safe use of the
product. Methods: The study was done using the mystery shopping
method, collecting data through telephone calls to each of the
establishments by a trained individual pretending to be a patient with
COVID-19 symptoms. The study included 482 pharmaceutical establishments from
16 Colombian departments. Results: Of 59 drugs suggested by
pharmacies, the most recommended were azithromycin, ivermectin,
acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. The recommended dose was indicated in
85.5% (236) of the pharmaceutical establishments, and 14.5% (40) of them
reported the most common adverse effects of the recommended product. About
9.4% (26) of the establishments reported possible interactions of the
recommended drugs and substances with food, beverages, or supplements.
Conclusion: The majority of the pharmaceutical
establishments included in the study promoted inadequate self-medication for
COVID-19 in Colombia during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jose Nino-Orrego
- Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Claudia Patricia Ortiz
- Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios-UNIMINUTO, Programa de Administración en Salud Ocupacional, Grupo de Investigación en Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Neiva, Colombia
| | | | | | - Franklin Soler
- Observatory of Self-Medication Behavior, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés M. Pérez-Acosta
- Observatory of Self-Medication Behavior, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniel Ricardo Delgado
- Grupo de Investigación en Dinámicas Sociales, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Campus Neiva, Neiva, Colombia
| | - Carlos-Alberto Calderon-Ospina
- Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, 111221 Bogotá, Colombia. Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Observatory of Self-Medication Behavior, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Pabón-Londoño S, Rojas-Rodriguez LC. Drug safety of frequently used drugs and substances for self-medication in COVID-19. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2022; 13:20420986221094141. [PMID: 35493401 PMCID: PMC9039440 DOI: 10.1177/20420986221094141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the behavior of self-medication has increased. The dissemination of misleading information regarding the efficacy of certain drugs or substances for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 has been the major contributing factor for this phenomenon. Alongside with the increase in self-medication behavior, the inherent risks to this act such as drug-drug interactions, adverse events, drug toxicity, and masking of symptoms have also increased. Self-medication in the context of COVID-19 has led to drug misuse leading in some cases to the development of fatal adverse drug reactions. It is important that during this ongoing pandemic drugs with potential clinical efficacy against COVID-19 are adequately analyzed regarding their efficacy, safety, and monitoring. The aim of this review is to describe the available evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and monitoring of the drugs and substances that have been shown to be frequently used for self-medication in patients with COVID-19 (hydroxychloroquine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ivermectin, azithromycin, vitamins, aspirin, and chlorine dioxide) to adequately characterize their risks, safe use, monitoring strategies, and to reinforce the concept that these substances should not be used for self-medication and require a medical prescription. Plain Language Summary Drug safety of frequently used drugs and substances for self-medication in COVID-19 Dissemination of information about potential COVID-19 treatments has led individuals to self-medicate and expose themselves to risks such as drug-drug interactions, side effects, antibiotic resistance, and misdiagnosis. There is a need to review the medical literature to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drugs and substances commonly used by the population for the treatment and prevention of SARS CoV-2 infection. In this review, we included drugs that are frequently used for self-medication and commonly advertised such as ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, chlorine dioxide, azithromycin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, among others. A brief introduction of the drug and its mechanism of action, followed by a summary of the efficacy in COVID-19 and safety, will be described for each drug in order to promote their responsible use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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High mortality among hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in Peru: A single centre retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265089. [PMID: 35259196 PMCID: PMC8903290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peru is the country with the world’s highest COVID-19 death rate per capita. Characteristics associated with increased mortality among adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in this setting are not well described. Methods Retrospective, single-center cohort study including 1537 adult patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia between May 2020 and August 2020 at a national hospital in Lima, Peru. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Results In-hospital mortality was 49.71%. The mean age was 60 ± 14.25 years, and 68.38% were males. We found an association between mortality and inflammatory markers, mainly leukocytes, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein and ferritin. A multivariate model adjusted for age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and corticosteroid use demonstrated that in-hospital mortality was associated with greater age (RR: 2.01, 95%CI: 1.59–2.52) and a higher level of oxygen requirement (RR: 2.77, 95%CI: 2.13–3.62). Conclusions: In-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients in Peru is high and is associated with greater age and higher oxygen requirements.
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Gaviria-Mendoza A, Mejía-Mazo DA, Duarte-Blandón C, Castrillón-Spitia JD, Machado-Duque ME, Valladales-Restrepo LF, Machado-Alba JE. Self-medication and the ‘infodemic’ during mandatory preventive isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2022; 13:20420986221072376. [PMID: 35237406 PMCID: PMC8882931 DOI: 10.1177/20420986221072376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic altered the supply and demand of
health services. This, together with the ‘infodemic’ and generalized panic,
could alter the patterns of self-medication in the population. The objective
was to characterize the patterns of self-medication in four cities of
Colombia during mandatory preventive isolation in 2020. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done in four Colombian cities during
mandatory national preventive isolation between June and September 2020. A
sample of 397 adults who responded to an online survey, based on the
Instrument for Systematic Data Collection for Self-medication
(Instrumento de Recolección Sistemática de Datos para la
Automedicación–IRIS-AM), was obtained. The use of social
networks (including WhatsApp) as the source of information about medications
was explored. Results: The 397 people surveyed had a median age of 31.0 years, and 58.2% were women.
The prevalence of self-medication during lockdown was 34.3%
(n = 136). Medications targeting the nervous system
(n = 117; 86.0% of those participants with
self-medication) and the musculoskeletal system (n = 68;
50.0%) were the most commonly used. Ten (7.4%) of the self-medicated
patients reported doing so to prevent COVID-19, and 15 (11.0%) named social
networks as the source of information. Conclusion: More than one-third of the participants reported self-medication during
COVID-19 lockdown, mainly with analgesic-type nervous system medications.
People who reported self-medication to prevent COVID-19 often got their
information from social networks, the Internet, and WhatsApp. Plain Language Summary
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Gaviria-Mendoza
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología
y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira–Audifarma S.A.,
Pereira, Colombia Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Fundación
Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Danny Alberto Mejía-Mazo
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología
y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira–Audifarma S.A.,
Pereira, Colombia
| | - Carolina Duarte-Blandón
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología
y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira–Audifarma S.A.,
Pereira, Colombia
| | - Juan Daniel Castrillón-Spitia
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología
y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira–Audifarma S.A.,
Pereira, Colombia Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Fundación
Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Manuel Enrique Machado-Duque
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología
y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira–Audifarma S.A.,
Pereira, Colombia Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Fundación
Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Luis Fernando Valladales-Restrepo
- Grupo de Investigación en Farmacoepidemiología
y Farmacovigilancia, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira–Audifarma S.A.,
Pereira, Colombia Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Fundación
Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
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