Abstract
Purpose: :
The aim of this study is to identify practices of self-medication in the treatment of ocular conditions. We examine patients’ use of manufactured eye drops in their first visit to a private ophthalmologic clinic in Cordoba, Argentina.
Methods: :
We conducted a cross-sectional analytic survey of consecutive patients, aged between 18 and 90 years old, seen in a private ophthalmology practice in the first visit at the institution.
Results: :
The sample included 250 subjects, 44.2% males and 55.8% females, with a mean age of 49.6 years. Prior to looking for assistance in our institution, 29.58% reported self-medicating; 24.1% were using medication prescribed by an ophthalmologist and 46.25% were not medicated at all.The most frequently used products included a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops (26.67%), combination of antibiotics and steroids (10.67%) and vasoconstrictive eye drops (10.67%). However, 14.67% of patients did not remember the medication used. Of the total patients who self-medicated, in 25.4% of the cases they used drugs by recommendation of a pharmacist; 22.5% followed recommendations from a friend or a family member and 21.1% used drugs at their own discretion without external advice. Only 13% knew the components of the drug and just 6% were acquainted with the side effects of the eye drops. No significant differences were found in the self-treatment of ocular injuries according to gender (p = 0.95), level of education (p = 0.21) or age (p = 0.14).
Conclusions: :
Patients often attempt to treat conditions that require ophthalmologic care by self-medicating with manufactured drops. This behavior occurs independently of educational level, gender, age or the nature of the ocular condition. Self-medication is a culturally driven practice in Argentina. Education to maintain patients informed on the consequences of self-medication is required.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: health care delivery/economics/manpower