SALGADO, T. M. M.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5663042993573848; SALGADO, Túlio Mycael Maia.
Abstract:
Self-medication is the act of purchasing medication without prescription to relieve
symptoms or treat a disease. But often the misuse of self-medication can bring harm
one's health, especially when dealing with the elderly, because they have a different
physiology and are often polymedicated. Thus the study aimed to characterize the
profile social, health and identify factors related to self-medication and the elderly
group of seniors in the city of CurraisNovos, RN. To that end, we conducted an
exploratory, descriptive and cross, from March to June 2012 with 50 elderly members
of the Grupo de IdososClube Nova Vida – Centro de ConvivênciaAmáliaBezerra,
inCurraisNovos, RN. Thus, it was observed that most seniors who self-medicated
were female (94.0%). The situations of pain (64.0%) were the most frequent
complaints that led to self-medication. Previous experience is constituted as the main
reason for the choice of medication (38.0%). The pharmacy trade (78.0%) was the
main place of purchase of medicines. The study found self-medication among elderly
people and thus it is necessary to develop activities that educate them about the
risks of this practice.