Estudio del consumo de medicamentos sin prescripción en adultos mayores que acuden a la cadena de farmacias Biopharma de la ciudad de Riobamba

Abstract

The main objective of this research study was to focus on the consumption of nonprescription drugs in older adults who visit the BIOPHARMA pharmacy chain in the city of Riobamba, during the period October 2023-March 2024, using a quantitative, crosssectional, non-experimental approach. The information was collected through a questionnaire validated by professional experts in the area of pharmacy and was applied to those who met the inclusion criteria, among a population of 254 older adults. It was observed that 52.63% of the population self-medicated, most of them being women (58.6%); likewise, the highest proportion was located in the age range between 60 and 74 years old. It was also found that the participants self-medicated with a variety of drugs including analgesics (43.09%), digestive (20.3%), anti-flu (14.63), antihistamines (12.20%) and antibiotics (9.76%), which put them at risk of misdiagnosis, drug interactions and intoxication. This behavior is influenced by factors such as previous successful experiences (20.3%), lack of economic resources and time to go to the doctor (19.5%). Problems related to medications (DRPs) were evidenced, being the most prevalent without indication for the consumption of medications (82.60%), thus evidencing the irrational use at the community pharmacy level. After training 121 older adults, participants improved their understanding of rational medication use with significant (41.3%) or complete (43.8%) improvement. This study provided an overview of self-medication practices in this population, the results showed a high prevalence of over-the-counter medication use, suggesting the need for educational interventions to promote safe and responsible medication use among older adults in the region. Pharmacotherapeutic follow-up of the same population group is recommended to verify whether DRPs are resolved.