Automedicación y factores asociados en docentes de dos instituciones educativas en Bogotá y Cali (Colombia): un estudio transversal

Abstract

Introduction. Self-medication is a public health problem present in the entire world population, especially in low-developed countries. This behavior generates negative health impacts such as side effects, disease masking and antimicrobial resistance. Objective. To determine the prevalence and associated factors regarding self-medication in teachers of preschool, primary and secondary education in two educational institutions in Bogotá and Cali, in the second half-year of 2019. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional descriptive study in which 121 teachers from two educational institutions participated. Data collection was done through a questionnaire, prior application of informed consent form. The prevalence was calculated through a bivariate analysis of associated factors of self-medication. Results. The prevalence of self-medication was 77.6% (95%CI: 69,3% –84,3%). The most widely used medications were NSAIDs (80,9%). The main health problems considered in self-medication were headaches (48,9%) and respiratory diseases (31,9%). Also, self-medication was facilitated by the large availability of over-the-counter medications and consumer-targeted pharmaceutical advertising (84%). An association was found between self-medication and female sex (OR: 0.31; 95%CI: 0,12 - 0,84; p<0,01). Conclusions. Self-medication is a phenomenon with high prevalence in teachers, especially in those with low income and those under 35 years. It is necessary to carry out more research related to self-medication in teachers to generate strategies to reduce the inappropriate use of non-prescription medications.