The risks of self-medication in times of Covid-19 among university students in a municipality located in the Legal Amazon
Keywords:
Self-medication, Covid-19 pandemic, Health education.Abstract
Self-medication, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to the use of over-the-counter medications, based on the belief that over-the-counter medications are safe if used as directed. However, easy access to medications without professional guidance increases the risks of irrational use, leading to undesirable effects and health problems. This is exacerbated by the presence of pharmacies in households and the idea that medicines are solutions to various health problems, amplified by the placement of drug advertisements on social media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in self-medication, influenced by the dissemination of the "covid-kit", a combination of drugs promoted as an early treatment, despite the lack of conclusive scientific evidence. Pharmacist professionals play a crucial role in raising awareness about the proper use of medications, providing guidance, and ensuring safe dispensing. The promotion of Health Education is essential to alert the population about the risks of self-medication and to promote the rational use of medicines. The present research aims to report the risks of self-medication during COVID-19, especially among university students in the Legal Amazon, with the aim of highlighting the importance of responsible use of medicines.
