Self-Medication and the Elderly: How Technology Can Help

2002 ◽  
Vol 102 (7) ◽  
pp. 51-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca McGarry Logue
Keyword(s):  
The Elderly ◽  
Self Medication

scholarly journals Prevalence and Factors Related to Self-Medication for COVID-19 Prevention in the Elderly

Salmand ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-127
Author(s):  
Narjes Heshmatifar ◽  
◽  
Arezoo Davarinia Motlagh Quchan ◽  
Zohreh Mohammadzadeh Tabrizi ◽  
Leila Moayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Major Factors

Objectives: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis and health outcomes are among the major human social events of the 21st century. The unknown nature of the disease and the fear of contagion have caused emotional reactions, including the self-consumption of drugs in the elderly. Therefore, this study investigated factors affecting the self-consumption of drugs for COVID-19 prevention in the elderly. Methods & Materials: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed on 342 elderly in Sabzevar City, Iran, in 2020. The research units were selected as clusters from 16 health centers. The necessary data were collected by an online self-medication questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS. Results: The Mean±SD age of the study participants was 66.2±5.67 years. The frequency of self-medication to prevent COVID-19 was 190(55.5%); analgesics, vitamins, anti-cold, and antibiotics were the most common drugs used. The major factors associated with self-medication in the COVID-19 pandemic were disease prevention, home quarantine, financial problems, experiencing previous self-medication, and others’ advice. There was a significant relationship between self-medication and education and insurance coverage. No significant relationship was observed between gender, occupation, and marital status, and self-medication. Conclusion: Self-Medication in the COVID-19 epidemic is notable as a crisis threatening the elderly’s health. Controlling and monitoring how the drug is used is among the requirements for protection and health promotion in the elderly.

scholarly journals Prevalence, knowledge and associated factors on self-medication practice among the community of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 1108-1118
Author(s):  
Birendra Shrivastava ◽  
Omi Bajracharya ◽  
Rajani Shakya
Keyword(s):  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
Medication Practice ◽  
Metropolitan City ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Self-medicine has become one of the important components in day-to-day life to treat mild ailments. If not used rationally, it may lead to serious public health issues. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence, knowledge, and associated risk factors of self-medication practice among the community of the Lalitpur Metropolitan City of Nepal. A cross-sectional community based prospective study was conducted among 1,004 participants of the Lalitpur Metropolitan City using a pretested and validated questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis with an alpha level of 0.05 by using SPSS. The prevalence of self-medication was 45.20%. The three most common ailments for practicing self-medication were fever, headache, and cough/cold. The top reason for self-medication was minor illness. The study indicated that overall knowledge scores were significantly associated with self-medication (P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed the elderly are more oriented towards self-medication practice [AOR=5.22 (95%CI: 2.73-9.98)]. The health professional families have a high affinity towards self-medication practice [AOR=2.82 (95%CI: 1.68-4.75)]. Likewise, storing medicine at home [AOR= 7.01 (95%CI: 5.10-9.64)] and poor knowledge of medicine use were [AOR=1.81 (95%CI: 1.14-2.88)] more likely to prefer self-medication. The prevalence of self-medication was high, mostly due to the poor knowledge about appropriate medicine used. Self-medication is unavoidable in many situations; therefore, implementation of action plans to improve awareness about the consequences of self-medication is needed, thus facilitating its responsible use by the community.

The Evaluation of the Awareness, Attitude and Practice of the Elderly Toward Self-Medication: A Cross-Sectional Study

Drug Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (08) ◽  
pp. 475-480
Author(s):  
Mohammad Heidari ◽  
Mansureh Borujeni ◽  
Mansour Ghafourifard ◽  
Rahim Sheikhi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of various diseases in the elderly has increased the use of drugs, which is coupled with age-related physiological changes and places the elderly at risk for multiple side effects. The present study aimed to determine awareness, attitudes and practices of elderly towards self-medication. Materials and Methods The sample included 300 participants over 60 years under any of the health centers in urban and rural areas of Abadeh city, who were selected based on stratified random sampling method. In order to collect data, the questionnaire including demographic information, awareness, attitude and performance of the elderly and the checklist of drug intractable consumption. Results Based on the results, 76% of the elderly reported drug consumption. Regarding lifestyle, the average score of the elderly’s awareness for the elderly who lived with and without families were 78.6±14.2 and 69.2±13.6, respectively. In other words, a significant difference was observed between these two groups. In addition, there was a significant between the elderly’s performance score with and without family members about the self-medication (p=0.001). Conclusion Considering the increase in self-medication among the elderly, adherence to prescription criteria for drug among this age group is recommended. Finally, designing and implementing various educational programs in health education center is necessary for the elderly and their families for the purpose of improving awareness and practice.

scholarly journals Self-medication among participants of an Open University of the Third Age and associated factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-427
Author(s):  
Adriana Nancy Medeiros dos Santos ◽  
Dulcinéia Rebecca Cappelletti Nogueira ◽  
Caroline Ribeiro de Borja-Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Open University ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Third Age ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
The Third ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Articular Pain

Abstract Objective: to identify the prevalence of self-medication, the therapeutic classes used without medical prescription, the symptoms treated with such medication and associated factors among participants of an Open University of the Third Age (OU3A). Method: a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was carried out, the sample of which was composed of 138 OU3A attendees. To estimate the association between the variables, prevalence ratios (PR), confidence intervals (95% CI), the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used. Results: the majority were aged 60-69 years (61.6%), were female (75.4%), had a health plan (63%) and claimed to self-medicate (59.4%, 95% CI, 0-64.8). The most frequently mentioned therapeutic classes were analgesics (31.9%), muscle relaxants (13.8%), anti-inflammatories (13.0%) and first-generation antihistamines (7.2%). The most commonly reported self-medication symptoms were muscle and joint pain (21.0%), headaches (10.1%) and colds and flu (8.7%). There was a significant association (p = 0.049) among those who self-medicated more frequently and anti-inflammatory use (PR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.10-1.99). The complaint of muscular and articular pain exhibited a significant association with the diagnosis of arthrosis (p = 0.003, RP = 3.75, 95% CI = 2.07-6.76) and hypothyroidism (p = 0.002, RP = 2.77 ; 95% CI = 1.50-5.10). Conclusion: the most frequently mentioned reasons for self-medicating were previous experience using the drug and the certainty that it is safe. Most of the above medications are potentially inappropriate for the elderly. However, the elderly consider them safe and are unaware of the risks to which they expose them. They may also be unaware that pain treated by self-medication may be related to pre-existing diseases, which require the appropriate professional and treatment.

Impact of Pharmacist Interventions on Medication Management by the Elderly: A Review of the Literature

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan E. Tett ◽  
Gwen M. Higgins ◽  
Carol L. Armour
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Computer Search ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Pharmacist Interventions ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVE: To review the impact of pharmacist interventions designed to assist older people in managing their medication regimens. DATA SOURCES: A computer search of literature published between 1975 and 1990 was conducted using MEDLINE. References were also identified from the bibliographies of pertinent articles. STUDY SELECTION: Studies included in the review were those evaluating pharmacist interventions that were designed to assist in medication management by people over 65 years of age. Only nine studies were identified by these criteria. Interventions that have not been evaluated are discussed briefly. The studies included were chosen by consensus of the authors. DATA EXTRACTION: A data extraction form was used to summarize the information in each study. RESULTS: This was a qualitative review. Some studies evaluating the effects of short verbal medication counseling episodes showed positive benefits; others showed no benefit. Written medication information, some memory devices, and audiovisual techniques have also been found to be of limited use. Self-medication programs for hospitalized elderly people need to be evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: This review identified the lack of published evaluations of pharmacist interventions in medication management by elderly people. Well-designed studies need to be performed to determine the effects of individualized advice and counseling. The cost-effectiveness of such interventions should be assessed, with consideration of long-term outcomes, such as readmission rates to the hospital and cost savings accruing from increased duration of independent living.

scholarly journals Gambaran Pemanfaatan Pelayanan Kesehatan Tradisional pada Penduduk Lanjut Usia di Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-78
Author(s):  
Rukmini Rukmini ◽  
Lusi Kristiani
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Traditional Health ◽  
Manual Skills

One of the health efforts that have the opportunity to improve the health status of the elderly is traditional health services (Yankestrad). This paper aims to describe the use of Yankestrad among the elderly in Indonesia. The data source in this analysis is Riskesdas 2018, a research conducted by the Ministry of Health with the elderly (≥60 years) as the analysis unit. Data were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the use of Yankestrad in the elderly was 37.0% and self-medication with traditional medicine was 17.3%. Young elderly people mostly use Yankestrad (37.9%), while self-medication with traditional medicine are dominated by elderly women (18.3%) in rural areas (19.5%). The use of Toga in the elderly in Indonesia (31.9%), mostly women (33.3%) in rural areas (36.3%). The most common types of Yankestrad used by the elderly were manual skills, potions, and homemade potions. Male elderly (55.5%) in urban areas (56.5%) used more prepared ingredients, while female elderly (43.6%) in rural areas (46.5%) preferred homemade ingredients. Older people with low expenditure levels tend to take advantage of prepared ingredients or homemade ingredients, while high expenditures tend to take advantage of manual skills. Traditional healers (98.2%) are the type of yakestrad used mostly by the elderly. In conclusion, Yankestrad in Indonesia is mostly used by the elderly, therefore it has the potential to be developed as an alternative model of health services for the elderly. Given the high interest of the elderly with Yankestrad and the use of traditional healers, it is necessary to provide Yankestrad facilities, especially in Puskesmas with traditional health workers who are able to provide safe and quality health services to the elderly. Abstrak Salah satu upaya kesehatan yang berpeluang meningkatkan status kesehatan lansia adalah pelayanan kesehatan tradisional (Yankestrad). Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran pemanfaatan Yankestrad pada penduduk lansia di Indonesia. Sumber data dalam analisis ini adalah Riskesdas 2018. Riset yang dilakukan oleh Kementerian Kesehatan dengan unit analisis lansia (≥60 tahun). Analisis data secara deskriptif. Hasil menunjukkan, pemanfaatan Yankestrad pada lansia 37,0% dan upaya sendiri dengan obat tradisional 17,3%. Lansia muda terbanyak memanfaatkan Yankestrad (37,9%), sedangkan upaya sendiri dengan obat tradisonal didominasi lansia perempuan (18,3%) di perdesaan (19,5%). Pemanfaatan Toga pada lansia di Indonesia (31,9%), terbanyak perempuan (33,3%) di perdesaan (36,3%). Jenis Yankestrad terbanyak dimanfaatkan lansia adalah keterampilan manual, ramuan jadi dan ramuan buatan sendiri. Lansia laki-laki (55,5%) di perkotaan (56,5%) lebih banyak memanfaatkan ramuan jadi, sedangkan lansia perempuan (43,6%) di perdesaan (46,5%) lebih menyukai ramuan buatan sendiri. Lansia dengan tingkat pengeluaran rendah cenderung memanfaatkan ramuan jadi atau ramuan buatan sendiri, sedangkan pengeluaran tinggi cenderung memanfaatkan ketrampilan manual. Penyehat tradisional (98,2%) adalah jenis tenaga terbanyak dimanfaatkan lansia. Kesimpulan, Yankestrad di Indonesia lebih banyak dimanfaatkan oleh lansia, oleh karena itu berpotensi untuk dikembangkan sebagai alternatif model pelayanan kesehatan bagi lansia. Rekomendasi, mengingat tingginya minat para lansia dengan Yankestrad dan pemanfaatan penyehat tradisional, maka diperlukan penyediaan fasilitas Yankestrad khususnya di Puskesmas dengan tenaga kesehatan tradisional yang mampu memberikan pelayanan kesehatan yang aman dan berkualitas bagi para lansia.

scholarly journals Self-medication trend among the urban elderly - a cross-sectional, observational study

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 66-68
Author(s):  
Arunava Biswas ◽  
Sukanta Sen ◽  
Agnik Pal ◽  
Joydip Das ◽  
Suvajit Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Elderly ◽  
Urban Elderly ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
True Nature ◽  
Institutional Ethics ◽  
Yield Information ◽  
The Cost

Objective: To describe and analyze the demographic and pharmacological characteristics ofself-medication trends among a geriatric urban population in a community.Materials and Methods: Thisstructured interview-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among elderly subjectsof either sex in an urban community, who visited two pre-identifi ed, retail pharmacies in asub-urban locality, for procuring sundry medicinal products of their choice, without a validprescription. Institutional ethics approval was duly obtained. Respondents (n=108) readilyshared the information as sought regarding the encounter. The data were captured bytrained fi eld staff in a pre-designed data sheet, maintaining full confi dentiality.Results: The subjects (n=108) were predominantly (64.81%) male, with an average age of 65.95 years.The subjects mostly retired from job. Only 21.29% of them asked for particular brands,whereas just 5.55% subjects asked for a generic product. Majority of the subjects (73.14%)sought for medical help and received it from the dispenser at the counter. Antibiotics, onmost occasions, were dispensed for inappropriate indication and duration. On an average,the cost of the medicines procured in a single encounter by the employed and unemployedwere Rs 51.86 and Rs 21.86 respectively.Conclusion: Self-medication trends in elderly area disturbing problem that needs to be carefully addressed. Pilot study such as the presentone is easy to carry out, and can rapidly yield information about the true nature of selfmedication trends among the elderly. This can help in designing effective and appropriatelytargeted interventions in the future.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.11725 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 66-68   

scholarly journals Standard drug consumption: a study with elderly people in Primary Health Care

2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josefa Muriele da Silva Marinho ◽  
Karyne Beatriz Almeida de Medeiros ◽  
Romário Nóbrega Santos Fonseca ◽  
Thiego Santos de Araujo ◽  
Wanessa Cristina Tomaz dos Santos Barros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Standard Drug ◽  
Inappropriate Drugs ◽  
Primary Health

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the pattern of medication consumption among the elderly assisted in Primary Health Care. Methods: Descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study, with a sample of 315 elderly people, in a city in rural Rio Grande do Norte. Results: The average age was 72.41 years, with an average consumption of 3.15 medications per day, ranging from 1 to 16 medications daily. There was a prevalence of antihypertensives, antidiabetics, hypolipidemic and psychotropic drugs. 238 different drugs were mentioned, 15 of which were “potentially inappropriate drugs” for the elderly. Most of these patients follow treatment according to medical prescription, with low self-medication. Most elderly people buy their drugs, although many are available for free. Conclusion: The most consumed drugs are consistent with the most reported diseases (hypertension and diabetes). The daily use of inappropriate medications for the elderly is worrying, especially psychotropics, given the risks of dependence or health complications of these users.

Venous thromboembolism in the elderly

Phlebologie ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (04) ◽  
pp. 215-218
Author(s):  
C. Ploenes
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Initial Symptoms

SummaryOld age is an independent risk factor of venous thromboembolism. Nevertheless initial symptoms are often attributed to existing cardiac or pulmonary comorbidity. Once deep thromboembolism (DTE) is in focus, the synopsis of clinical findings and anamnestic clues help to take further steps to establish or rule out the diagnosis (e.g. Wells score). Treatment consists in oral anticoagulation, either by vitamin-k-antagonists or by direct oral anticoagulants (“DOACs”). Strict compliance of patients or main caregivers is essential in both cases. Simultaneous medication of platelet-inhibitingor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – often unknown self medication – results in a raised bleeding risk and should be avoided. If longterm anticoagulation is mandatory, a strategy of sequential dose-reduced anticoagulation can be considered, especially in the case of increased bleeding-risk. Systemic fibrinolysis of pulmonary embolism goes along with a very high bleeding risk in old age and should be performed only in case of vital circulatory depression or failure.

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