title: Self-medication in ophthalmology: a questionnaire-based study in an Argentinean population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to identify practices of self-medication in the treatment of ocular conditions and to identify a profile of patients who self-medicate.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey of patients, over the age of 17 years seen in our ophthalmology practice in Cordoba, Argentina. Self-medication was defined as the use of ophthalmic medicines which had not been prescribed by a health care specialist in the previous year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample included 379 subjects, 162 males (43%) and 217 females (57%); mean age 46.8 years. Prior to looking for medical attention in our institution, 97 patients (25.6%) reported self-medicating. The most frequently employed products included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops in combination with a vasoconstrictive agent (32%) followed by a combination of antibiotics and steroids (9%), however, 14% of patients did not remember the name or type of medication applied. A total of 31% of patients used drugs recommended by a pharmacist; 25% used drugs of their own choosing and 24% followed suggestions from a friend or family member. Only 12% of patients knew the drug's components and only 3% were aware of any possible side effects. There was no difference in behavior patterns related to educational level or age, however, there was a significant difference related to gender, with males misusing ophthalmic drops more frequently than women (P = 0.004).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients commonly attempt to treat conditions that require ophthalmologic care by self-medicating with over-the-counter eye drops. Educational efforts to inform patients of the consequences of self-medication are necessary.
authors: Centro Privado de Ojos Romagosa-Fundación VER, Córdoba, Argentina.
authors: Gabriel E
authors: GE
authors: Marquez
authors: Victor E
authors: VE
authors: Torres
authors: Victoria M
authors: VM
authors: Sanchez
authors: Ana L
authors: AL
authors: Gramajo
authors: Nilda
authors: N
authors: Zelaya
authors: Fernando Y
authors: FY
authors: Peña
authors: Claudio P
authors: CP
authors: Juarez
authors: Jose D
authors: JD
authors: Luna
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004522:Educational Status; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015995:Prevalence; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations