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Self-medication among nursing workers from public hospitals
Aline Reis Rocha Barros1, Rosane Harter Griep, Lúcia Rotenberg
1Hospital Geral de Bonsucesso, Brazil. enf.aline@hotmail.com
Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem
|February 4, 2010
Summary
Self-medication is common among nurses, affecting 24.2% of those surveyed. Factors like age and work stress influence this practice, highlighting the need for targeted health strategies for nursing professionals.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Self-medication is a global health concern, particularly within healthcare professions.
- Understanding prevalence and risk factors among nursing staff is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-medication among nursing workers in Brazil.
- To identify factors associated with self-medication in this population.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological sectional study was conducted with 1,509 nurses from two public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro.
- Medications were classified using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Index.
- Data on demographics, health status, and work factors were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of self-medication was 24.2%.
- The most treated anatomical group was the nervous system, with analgesics being the most common therapeutic group.
- Younger nurses, those with psychiatric disturbances, non-hypertensives, inactive individuals, those with recent illnesses, and those with temporary contracts reported higher self-medication rates.
Conclusions:
- Self-medication is a frequent practice among nursing personnel.
- Associated factors include demographic, health, and occupational variables, necessitating tailored strategies to improve worker well-being.
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