SELF-MEDICATION OF STUDENTS IN THE HEALTH AREA OF FACULDADE ADVENTISTA DA BAHIA

Abstract

The use of medications is essential for the treatment of diseases and control of their symptoms.  However, when these drugs are used independently and irresponsibly they can become a risk to the person who is consuming it.  This article is a study of quantitative descriptive research, which aims to address self-medication in the group of students of health courses at “Faculdade Adventista da Bahia”(FADBA), evaluating the variables gender, course, previous knowledge of pharmacology, the attitude is taken towards pain and factors that lead to self-medication.  The data collection approach took place through a closed stratified form.  The present study is justified by the high rate of self-medication in the Brazilian population.  According to the data collected, it is estimated that 62.86% of the surveyed sample has the habit of self-medication, which is a practice that needs to be evaluated very carefully about its risks and benefits.

 Keywords: Self-medication.  Health science students.  Adverse effects.  Toxicity.  Over the counter medications