A cross-sectional study of the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication among patients at the out-patient clinic of the department of dermatology in Rizal Medical Center
- Author:
Luisa Marie S. Cruz
1
;
Martha B. Tapales
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Self-medication
- MeSH: Self Care; Dermatology
- From: Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2022;31(2):1-5
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:The trend of self-medication practices is increasing worldwide especially in developing countries like the Philippines. If inappro-
priately practiced, this can lead to deleterious eff ects. Despite this, literature available in this area are limited.
Objectives:The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors that contribute to self-medication practices among dermatology patients in the out-patient clinic of a tertiary government hospital.
Methods:An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to April 2021 in an out-patient dermatology clinic of Rizal Med- ical Center using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics while univariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine possible factors associated with self-medication.
Results:The practice of self-medication was prevalent in 88.70% of the participants. The most common facilitators for self-medication were recommendation by family or friends (49%) and having a previous prescription (39%). The most common medicines utilized were topical steroids (18%), combination topical medication (16%), and anti-acne preparations (10%). On univariate analysis, the likelihood of self-medication was almost four-fold among those with a monthly income of less than PHP 9,000 compared to those who had a higher monthly income.
Conclusion:There is a high prevalence of self-medication among patients with dermatologic conditions. Patients with low monthly income were almost four times more likely to self-medicate. - Full text:01_NOV 2022_CRUZ.pdf
