Self-medication and the “infodemic” during mandatory preventive isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. v1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Machado Alba
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Systematic Data Collection

Aim: Quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic altered the supply and demand of health services. This, together with the “infodemic” and generalized panic, could alter the patterns of self-medication in the population. The objective was tocharacterize the patterns of self-medication in four municipalities of Colombia during mandatory preventive isolation in 2020. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done in the municipality of Pereira and its metropolitan area during mandatory national preventive isolation between June and September 2020. A sample of 397 adults who responded to an online survey, based on the Instrument for Systematic Data Collection for Self-medication (Instrumento de Recolección Sistemática de Datos para la Automedicación - IRIS-AM), was obtained. The use of social networks (including WhatsApp) as the source of information about medications was explored. Results: The 397 people surveyed had a median age of 31.0 years, and 58.2% were women. The prevalence of self-medication during lockdown was 34.3% (n=136). Medications targeting the nervous system (n=117; 86.0% of those participants with self-medication) and the musculoskeletal system (n=68; 50.0%) were the most commonly used. Ten (7.4%) of the self-medicated patients reported doing so to prevent COVID-19, and 15 (11.0%) named social networks as the source of information. Conclusions: More than one-third of the participants reported self-medication during COVID-19 lockdown, mainly with analgesic-type nervous system medications. People who reported self-medication to prevent COVID-19 often got their information from social networks, the internet, and WhatsApp.

Knowledge and perception of COVID-19 in Mexico through online surveys: a descriptive and cross-sectional study. (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalina García-Vielma ◽  
Teresa Carolina Villarreal-Benavides ◽  
Mario Ernesto Villarreal-Benavides
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mexican Population ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Surveys ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
The Media

BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic has a great impact on the Mexican population. People have different perceptions and reactions to an event of such magnitude. This can be investigated by applying online surveys distributed by social networks that guarantee high response rates and results in short time OBJECTIVE Inquire about knowledge and perception of the COVID 19 pandemic in Mexico METHODS Descriptive and cross-sectional study. The data was collected through an online survey with personal data and general knowledge of virus and disease, economic and social aspects, and news images and related with emotions perceived by the population. Was distributed by social networks Facebook© and WhatsApp© from April 5th-9th, 2020, during phase 2 of pandemic in Mexico. The participation was voluntary, anonymous and confidential. A percentage of all results were determined. RESULTS 2798 responses were analyzed. 99.9% answered the survey. The main data were: age 21-40 years (51%), gender: female (81%), almost 100% recognized the transmission and symptoms of COVID-19. 99% implement washes hands. 74.9% enjoy "good" health status, however, 50% suffer chronic diseases. The predominant state of mind was concern. Conclusion: Social media and online surveys could be an important tool to investigate knowledge and perceptions among the population. Our results could help society in general; health authorities and the media, to know the perceptions and needs of the Mexican population during the pandemic and take preventive measures, especially due to the high percentage of people with chronic diseases that could complicate the prognosis of the disease. CONCLUSIONS The use of online surveys allows quick results to be obtained from the knowledge of a population on a particular topic. In Mexico, the COVID-19 pandemic is a problem perceived with concern. Part of this could be real, due to the country's resources, and the presence of chronic diseases in a large percentage of the Mexican population. On the other hand, there is a large amount of fake news in various media, which increases this. Actions by government and society to reduce these levels of worry and anxiety could save many lives. We consider that the results of this descriptive study could be useful for health authorities, medical personnel, the media and the general population, to know the perception of Mexican inhabitants about COVID-19 and save data on measurements and patterns that can be applied in the future for other disease outbreaks.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study regarding the knowledge, attitude and awareness about self-medication among Bangladeshi people

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Abu Bakar Siddique Jami
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Common People ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medication Practice ◽  
The Common

Abstract Background: Self-medication is the use of medicinal products by the consumer which is not prescribed by the physician or doctor. Self-medication practice (SMP) is widely adopted by the common people of developing countries like Bangladesh. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Aim & Objective: This study was conducted to learn about the knowledge and awareness level and to evaluate the practice and attitude towards self-medication among the common people of Bangladesh. Method: Primary data was collected by conducting an online survey with a well-constructed questionnaire. Data collection was carried out from May 2021 to June 2021. The subjects were minimum 15 years of age. From 35 districts of Bangladesh, total 322 people of different age groups, education levels, economic classes participated in the survey. Result: 71% (229) of the respondents were 21-25 years of age. 66% were undergraduate students. Most of them were from middle class society and well-educated. 80% of the population said that they had purchased or taken medicines without any prescription. 57% of them told they do not consider self-medication as a very safe practice although, 87% of the population had practiced self-medication at least once in the preceding year. Antipyretics (212), Analgesics (165), Drugs for Cold/Cough (197) and Anti-ulcer/Antacids (140) were the majority categories of medicines that were used mostly for self-medication. Nearly all (311) of them collects SMP medicine from Pharmacy shops. Previous prescription (146), Advice from family or friends (165) and Internet or other media (113) were their common sources of information for their self-medication practice. Conclusion: Self-medication practice is highly prevalent in Bangladesh. People are not aware enough about possible negative outcomes of it. Therefore, the regulatory laws should be implemented more strictly regarding buying and selling medicines

PREVALENCE OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG RESIDENTS OF URBAN SLUM OF KOLKATA : A COMMUNITY-BASED, CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2021 ◽  
pp. 26-28
Author(s):  
Amal Kumar Sinha Roy ◽  
Samir Kumar Ray ◽  
Debdutta Banerjee ◽  
Abantika Bhattacharya ◽  
Kishore P Madhwani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Slum ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gender Education ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Harmful Effects

Background: Self-medication is dened as medication taken on the patient's own initiative or on the advice of pharmacist or any other lay person. Self-medication can be described as a double edged sword for its users, because it has both benecial and harmful effects. According to recent community based study in 2016 prevalence of self-medication in developing countries varies from 12% to as high as 73% in different communities. The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of self-medication among the residents of urban slum of Kolkata r and to identify the factors associated with the practice of self-medication. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was done in the Tangra urban slum area of Kolkata. All the residents of selected slum who >18 years of age were selected. Atotal of 200 participants were randomly selected. Data on socio demographic details (age, gender, education, occupation, and income), practice of self-medication, and reasons for use of self-medication were collected. Results: Majority of the respondents were females 118 (59%) and maximum of the study participants were in the age group of 31- 60 years 96 (48%). The prevalence of self-medication was very high 138 (69%). Majority of the study participants preferred allopathy medicine 152 (76%). Pharmacist was the main source of information for practicing self-medication 118 (59%). Conclusions: Sessions of health education should be conducted to create awareness about side effects of self-medication. Govt should prepare and implement strict laws that without prescription of doctors no medicine should to given to anybody at the pharmacy.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study on self-medication practice and attitude towards self-medication among medical students of GMERS Medical College, Valsad

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 3585
Author(s):  
Hinaben R. Patel ◽  
Ravikant R. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medication Practice ◽  
Medical College ◽  
The Common ◽  
Source Of Information

Background: Self-medication is becoming a most prevalent practice among educated people across the world. In today’s era, internet and media is one of the most important sources for promoting self-medication practice. Medical students are highly influenced with this practice as their future medical preference and the fact that medical students find themselves having more knowledge about drugs this may lead to irrational usage of drugs. Aim and Objectives of the study were conducted to know the 1. Self-medication practices among medical students 2. Common, indications and reasons for self-medication practice. 3.Attitude of medical students towards self-medication practice.Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of GMERS Medical College Valsad. The study was carried out in the months of October to December 2017. Medical students of first and final year MBBS participated voluntarily in this study after being briefed in detail about the goals & method of the study.Results: In this study, 91.50% of medical students were practiced self-medication. The common indication for self-medication was fever (76.50%) and cough (75.96%). Acquaintances (67.76%) are main source of information for self-medication. Common reasons they know the medicine (78.14%) and previous exposure (64.48%). 12.5% student perceived self-medication is harmless and 21.0% of medical students advise other to take self-medication.Conclusions: It was concluded that more than half of strength of students practice self-medication for various illnesses; the reason might be the awareness of drugs due to easy accessibility of information through books, internet as well as availability of medicine without prescription from pharmacist. So, essential measure should be taken to reduce the practice of self-medication among students to avoid development of drug dependence, resistance and drug interactions.

“SELF-MEDICATION FOR PREVENTION OF COVID-19: A CROSSSECTIONAL ONLINE SURVEY AMONG THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN SOUTH INDIA”

2021 ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Arunima Chellappan ◽  
Harsha Susan Jacob ◽  
Chithra R ◽  
Chirag Sunil Lalwani ◽  
Anjana S Nair
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
South India ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Facilities

Background: Self-medication is a common practice in developing countries and its prevalence is attributed to less healthcare facilities, reduced economic burden, and easy availability of drugs and local medicines. With the onset of COVID-19, self-medication has increased due to fear and stigma surrounding the disease and hospitals being considered hotspots of infection. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and data was collected from 478 participants using a semi-structured, self-reporting online questionnaire. Responses were tabulated and analysed with the help of SPSS (V25). Results: The prevalence of self-medication had risen to 84.5% in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic. 80.8% of all males and 86.6% of all females who responded to the form used self-medication. Elderly people were found to have self-medicated the most. 71% of the participants self-medicated as they were anxious about contracting the disease. 50.2% reported using home remedies. Most frequently used allopathic drugs among the respondents were Vitamins and other dietary supplements (51.7%). Treatment by self-medication was found effective by 91.6% of the participants. Conclusion: Self-medication cannot be overlooked as it is most often suitable, cheap and effective. Awareness regarding the proper use of selfmedication is necessary, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as it can lead to drug interactions, microbial resistance or serious adverse effects.

scholarly journals Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6234
Author(s):  
Christina Brogårdh ◽  
Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽  
Frida Eek ◽  
Kjerstin Stigmar ◽  
Ingrid Lindgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Life Domains ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Life Satisfaction

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

scholarly journals Sexual health norms and communication patterns within the close social networks of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru: a 2017 cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amrita Ayer ◽  
Eddy R. Segura ◽  
Amaya Perez-Brumer ◽  
Susan Chavez-Gomez ◽  
Rosario Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Trans Women ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background Social networks, norms, and discussions about sexual health may inform sexual practices, influencing risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. To better understand social networks of Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (trans women), we examined key social network members (SNMs), participant perceptions of these network members’ opinions toward sexual health behaviors, and associations between network member characteristics and condomless anal intercourse (CAI). Methods In a 2017 cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 565 MSM and trans women with HIV-negative or unknown serostatus was asked to identify three close SNMs; describe discussions about HIV and STI prevention with each; and report perceived opinions of condom use, HIV/STI testing, and partner notification of STIs. Generalized estimating equations evaluated relationships between SNM characteristics, opinions, and discussions and participant-reported CAI. Results Among participants who identified as MSM, 42.3% of key SNMs were perceived to identify as gay. MSM “never” discussed HIV and STI prevention concerns with 42.4% of heterosexual SNMs, but discussed them “at least once weekly” with 16.9 and 16.6% of gay- and bisexual- identifying SNMs, respectively. Among participants who identified as trans women, 28.2% of key SNMs were perceived as heterosexual; 25.9%, as bisexual; 24.7%, as transgender; and 21.2%, as gay. Trans women discussed HIV/STI prevention least with cis-gender heterosexual network members (40.2% “never”) and most with transgender network members (27.1% “at least once weekly”). Participants perceived most of their close social network to be completely in favor of condom use (71.2% MSM SNMs, 61.5% trans women SNMs) and HIV/STI testing (73.1% MSM SNMs, 75.6% trans women SNMs), but described less support for partner STI notification (33.4% MSM SNMs, 37.4% trans women SNMs). Most participants reported CAI with at least one of their past three sexual partners (77.5% MSM, 62.8% trans women). SNM characteristics were not significantly associated with participant-reported frequency of CAI. Conclusions Findings compare social support, perceived social norms, and discussion patterns of Peruvian MSM and trans women, offering insight into social contexts and sexual behaviors. Trial registration The parent study from which this analysis was derived was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03010020) on January 4, 2017.

Evaluating the Association Between Artificial Sweetener Intake and Indicators of Stress and Anxiety

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110221
Author(s):  
Benjamin Miller ◽  
Paul Branscum
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Reduction ◽  
Artificial Sweetener ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Very High

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) consumption and stress and anxiety, among a sample of college students. Two-hundred and twenty-seven students from a large mid-western university participated in this cross-sectional study. Students completed an online survey that evaluated NNS using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Stress and anxiety were evaluated using previously validated instruments. Most students reported very low/low/average concern for stress (63.9%), and had low/moderate anxiety (82.3%). Participants experiencing high and very high levels of stress had significantly higher NNS consumption compared to those with a very low and low risk, and concern for stress ( p < .046; d = 0.28). There was no difference however for NNS intake and anxiety. Reduction of artificial sweetener intake may be associated with stress levels among college students. However, more research is needed to examine any causal relationship between artificial sweetener intake and stress.

scholarly journals Dissociation, Cognitive Reflection and Health Literacy Have a Modest Effect on Belief in Conspiracy Theories about COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5065
Author(s):  
Vojtech Pisl ◽  
Jan Volavka ◽  
Edita Chvojkova ◽  
Katerina Cechova ◽  
Gabriela Kavalirova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Cognitive Reflection ◽  
Variance Explained ◽  
Modest Effect

Understanding the predictors of belief in COVID-related conspiracy theories and willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 may aid the resolution of current and future pandemics. We investigate how psychological and cognitive characteristics influence general conspiracy mentality and COVID-related conspiracy theories. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on data from an online survey of a sample of Czech university students (n = 866) collected in January 2021, using multivariate linear regression and mediation analysis. Sixteen percent of respondents believed that COVID-19 is a hoax, and 17% believed that COVID-19 was intentionally created by humans. Seven percent of the variance of the hoax theory and 10% of the variance of the creation theory was explained by (in descending order of relevance) low cognitive reflection, low digital health literacy, high experience with dissociation and, to some extent, high bullshit receptivity. Belief in COVID-related conspiracy theories depended less on psychological and cognitive variables compared to conspiracy mentality (16% of the variance explained). The effect of digital health literacy on belief in COVID-related theories was moderated by cognitive reflection. Belief in conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 was influenced by experience with dissociation, cognitive reflection, digital health literacy and bullshit receptivity.

scholarly journals Use of complementary and alternative therapies by patients with eye diseases: a hospital-based cross-sectional study from Palestine

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dania Jaber ◽  
Rafat Abu Ghannam ◽  
Waleed Rashed ◽  
Mohammad Shehadeh ◽  
Sa’ed H. Zyoud
Keyword(s):  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Alternative Therapies ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Therapies ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract Background Generally, complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are accepted methods of treatment by patients with various types of conditions. Their use is becoming especially prevalent among patients with eye problems even in developed countries. Thus, we aimed to determine the pattern of use of CAT in this patient population, to identify the patient characteristics associated with the use of CAT, and to assess the types of CAT used. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Palestine at An-Najah National University Hospital between the time periods of October 2019 to May 2020, using questionnaire-based face to face interviews. Data were collected through convenience sampling. Patients responded to the questionnaire, which was focused on information adapted from previous research in this area, covering socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, types of CAT, source of information, and side effects on CAT use. Results A total of 86 patients were interviewed for our study. Over two thirds, 67% reported using CAT for the specific purpose of improving their eye condition, and about one third (29.1%) received more than one therapy. The most common therapies reported were duea’ (i.e. supplication) (47.1%) and herbal therapies (24.1%). It was shown that patients with bilateral involvement of their eyes were almost twice more likely to describe using CAT than patients with unilateral eye pathology (p = 0.006). Also, patients who underwent surgery as their route of treatment were significantly less likely to use CAT (p = 0.043). Most of our study participants mentioned a non-physician source as their source of information regarding CAT with family members being the most frequently mentioned (30.2%) followed by the internet (25.6%) and friends (19.8%). Conclusions The prevalence of CAT use among patients with eye disease is somewhat high in our study population. Because CAT may trigger adverse reactions, influence the progression of the disease, and interfere with conventional treatment, the ophthalmologist should frequently be asked patients with such diagnostics regarding the use of these therapies. Further work is required to analyze the mechanisms of action and to establish realistic guidelines for the use of these modalities.

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