Consumo de medicamentos en población adulta: influencia del autoconsumo

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the factors associated with medicine consumption and self-consumption in Aragón (Spain)

Design

Cross-sectional study from the National Health Survey 2006.

Setting

Aragón (Spain).

Participants

Adult population in Aragón (Spain).

Main measurements

Medicine consumption and the type of consumption. Demographic, health and health style variables were also considered.

Results

At least one drug was taken by the 65.1% of the adults in Aragón during the previous two weeks. Of this group, 11.7% were self-medicated. A higher frequency of consumption was observed in females and older people, and in those with a poor self-perceived health. People with a low educational level took drugs more often, but self-consumption was more frequent in the group with a high educational level.

Conclusions

Medicine consumption and self-consumption in adults in Aragón is common. It is of great interest to know the consumption profile of these patients in order to develop specific interventions to reduce unnecessary consumption and to improve safety.