title: [Self-medication in the elderly population of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors].
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and causative factors associated with self-medication in the elderly and identify the main drugs consumed without prescription. A cross-sectional population-based study with stratified clustered two-stage sampling was performed in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil in 2008 and 2009. Of the 1,515 elderly studied, 80.4% reported using at least one drug during the three days preceding the survey. Of these, 91.1% reported the use of prescription drugs only and the remainder (8.9%) reported simultaneous use of prescribed and non prescribed drugs. After adjustment, a negative association between age ≥ 80 years, hypertension, chronic diseases, use of health services, dental consultations and adherence to a medical plan,and self-medication was found, whereas a positive association was found with per capita income. Dipyrone, acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, Ginkgo biloba, paracetamol and homeopathic medicines were among the most used non-prescribed drugs. Pharmaceutical assistance should be provided as a priority to the elderly, to avoid the misuse of medicines and ensure access to the correct drugs.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brasil.
authors.forename: Marcelo Antunes
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Priscila Maria Stolses Bergamo
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Francisco
authors.forename: Karen Sarmento
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: Marilisa Berti de Azevedo
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Barros
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019338:Polypharmacy; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs