Automedicação: Estudo dos riscos de vulnerabilidade entre discentes de uma escola sanjoanense

Abstract

Self-medication consists of the use of drugs without prior medical prescription, encompassing both prescription and over-the-counter medications. This practice is concerning, especially among young people, as most individuals have little or no knowledge about their proper indications. In this context, the objective was to identify the prevalence of self-medication among adolescents from the municipality of São João do Piauí – PI, as well as to estimate the predominance of the most accessible medications. The methodology adopted was exploratory and field-based, with a qualitative-quantitative approach. For this purpose, interviews were conducted with students regularly enrolled at the CEEP State School – Deputy Francisco Antônio Paes Landim Neto. The application of the questionnaire made it possible to outline the socioeconomic profile and estimate the predominance of the most accessible medications among the adolescents. A total of 55 valid responses were collected from the students, of which 61.81% (n = 34) were female. The majority, 54.55% (n = 30), lived with their parents, and 45.45% (n = 25) chose not to disclose their income. The highest representation in the research came from students enrolled in the 2nd year of high school, accounting for 78.18% (n = 43), and aged 17 years, representing 54.55% (n = 30). More than 50% of the respondents reported purchasing and using medications without medical prescription. Among the most frequently used medications by adolescents were: Paracetamol (19.7%), Dipyrone (16.9%), Buscopan (13.4%), and Amoxicillin (13.4%), all of which are easily obtained at pharmacies. It is concluded that adolescents from São João do Piauí are vulnerable to the practice of self-medication, highlighting the need for educational actions aimed at raising awareness and providing information to reduce this serious public health issue.