Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2026

Setup of Consumer Wearable Devices for Exposure and Health Monitoring in Population Studies
Published on: February 3, 2023
The Effect of a Global Health Shock on Preventive Drug Intake: Evidence from SHARE 2020-2022 for 15 European
Abstract:
Self-medication is known to have potential harmful consequences. In times of a health shock, like the COVID-19 pandemic, preventive drug intake may imply irresponsible behaviour. To provide insight into this phenomenon, this study explores the preventive behaviour of 4,642 respondents of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) for the period 2020-2022 and 15 European countries. It aims at highlighting relevant drivers and relies on an econometric analysis backed by random-effects panel logistic as well as pooled logistic estimators. The results indicate that being female, more educated, with income, in worse health, or out of work due to COVID-19 relates to higher odds of using preventive drugs for COVID-19 disease. Interaction effects illustrate that those who report symptoms are additionally more likely to take preventive drugs when in poor health, with income, or having hardly any difficulties with making ends meet. Surprisingly, preventive drug intake when reporting symptoms decreases at older ages. No relevant impact is found for relationship status, financial distress, and country of citizenship. Overall, the study identifies important drivers of preventive drug intake informative for policymaking in the context of a health shock like COVID-19.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Drug Control Governance: Regulatory Bodies and Their Impact
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Factors Affecting Drug Distribution: Physiological Barriers
The capillary endothelial barrier allows only smaller molecules below 600 Da (Daltons) to pass through. It also restricts drugs like heparin that are bound to blood components, limiting their movement within the bloodstream.
The...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Drug Regulation