The prevalence and characterization of self-medication for obtaining pain relief among undergraduate nursing students

• Published in: Revista latino-americana de enfermagem Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 245 - 251
• Main Authors: Souza, Layz Alves Ferreira, da Silva, Camila Damázio, Ferraz, Gisely Carvalho, Sousa, Fátima Aparecida Emm Faleiros, Pereira, Lílian Varanda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese; Spanish
• Published: Brazil Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto / Universidade de São Paulo 01.03.2011
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; NURSING; Pain - drug therapy; Self Medication - statistics & numerical data; Students, Nursing; Young Adult; Automedicación; Pain; Self Medication; Students, Nursing; Estudiantes de Enfermería; Dolor; Dor; Estudantes de Enfermagem; Automedicação
• ISSN: 0104-1169; 1518-8345; 1518-8345; 0104-1169
• DOI: 10.1590/S0104-11692011000200004

This study investigates the prevalence of self-medication among undergraduate nursing students seeking to relieve pain and characterizes the pain and relief obtained through the used medication. This epidemiological and cross-sectional study was carried out with 211 nursing students from a public university in Goiás, GO, Brazil. A numerical scale (0-10) measured pain intensity and relief. The prevalence of self-medication was 38.8%. The source and main determining factor of this practice were the student him/herself (54.1%) and lack of time to go to a doctor (50%), respectively. The most frequently used analgesic was dipyrone (59.8%) and pain relief was classified as good (Md=8.5;Max=10;Min=0). The prevalence of self-medication was higher than that observed in similar studies. Many students reported that relief obtained through self-medication was good, a fact that can delay the clarification of a diagnosis and its appropriate treatment.