Self-medication versus responsible self-medication: an analysis in three schools of Alfenas-MG

Abstract

This extension project was accomplished in three public schools in Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, for understanding the dangers of self-medication. Data were collected to define the individuals’ profile. Parents filled forms to measure self-medication indexes. The data were processed using epiInfo 6.0 software. Out of 571 interviewers, 65.0% applied self-medication during the researching period. 55.7% applied self–medication due to lack of financial resources. Analgesics and antithermals were the most frequent medicine taken (91.6%). The prevalence of self-medication was verified in the studied community and was similar to that observed in developed countries.