Prevalence of and associated factors for self-medication of people in Son Dong commune, Hoai Duc district, Hanoi City, in 2019

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 412 adults aged 18 years and older in Son Dong commune, Hoai Duc district, Hanoi city from March to September 2019. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication and its associated factors. Participants were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Average age of participants was 45.7 ± 13.4 (years), female accounted for 57.3%. The prevalence of self-medication was 30.3%. Associated factors were found including age group, distance from home to health care facilities, source of medication providing services. The study using logistic model indicated that age group ≥60 years old were less likely having self-medication behavior compared with younger group, OR=2.16, 95%CI: 0,92 – 5,06. For distance, the more people living far health care facility, the higher for self-medication, OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.00 - 1.18. This study is the frst one to determine the prevalence of self-medication in community in a suburban district of Hanoi city. However, this study was a cross-sectional design and the concept of medication was used for all types of medicines, but not focus on some specifc type such as antibiotics, corticoid which may cause public health problem in the long run.