[Self medication among patients with musculoskeletal symptoms in Araucanía region].
BACKGROUND
Self-medication is a common behavior in the general population, specially among those suffering from chronic pain.


OBJECTIVE
To study the prevalence and characteristics of self medication.


METHODS
Aiming to know the prevalence and features of self medication, a structured interview was applied to 272 out of 419 individuals from the general population, that reported musculoskeletal symptoms.


RESULTS
Sixty five percent of those interviewed recognised self medication. No gender differences were observed and there was a trend towards a higher frequency of self medication among older individuals. The frequency of self-medication was higher in low socioeconomic groups, subjects with long lasting pain, those with more severe pain and among subjects with a previous prescription. The drugs more frequently used were dipyrone, piroxicam and aspirin. The average daily piroxicam dose reported was 27 mg. Self medication was not associated with the labor condition of the subjects or the time of occurrence of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Self medication is a frequent behavior, particularly among low socio-economic groups and those with long lasting and more severe pain.
Riedemann
J P
JP
Unidad de Reumatología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco Chile. riedeman@ufro.cl
Illesca
M
M
Droghetti
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002677:Chile; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004177:Dipyrone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010894:Piroxicam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012651:Self Medication
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010894:Piroxicam; D004177:Dipyrone; D001241:Aspirin
Automedicación en individuos de la Región de la Araucanía con problemas musculoesqueléticos.