Self-medication in Ophthalmology: A Questionnaire-based Study in an Argentinean Population

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify practices of self-medication in the treatment of ocular conditions and to identify a profile of patients who self-medicate.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey of patients, over the age of 17 years seen in our ophthalmology practice in Cordoba, Argentina. Self-medication was defined as the use of ophthalmic medicines which had not been prescribed by a health care specialist in the previous year.

Results: The sample included 379 subjects, 162 males (43%) and 217 females (57%); mean age 46.8 years. Prior to looking for medical attention in our institution, 97 patients (25.6%) reported self-medicating. The most frequently employed products included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops in combination with a vasoconstrictive agent (32%) followed by a combination of antibiotics and steroids (9%), however, 14% of patients did not remember the name or type of medication applied. A total of 31% of patients used drugs recommended by a pharmacist; 25% used drugs of their own choosing and 24% followed suggestions from a friend or family member. Only 12% of patients knew the drug’s components and only 3% were aware of any possible side effects. There was no difference in behavior patterns related to educational level or age, however, there was a significant difference related to gender, with males misusing ophthalmic drops more frequently than women (P = 0.004).

Conclusions: Patients commonly attempt to treat conditions that require ophthalmologic care by self-medicating with over-the-counter eye drops. Educational efforts to inform patients of the consequences of self-medication are necessary.

KEYWORDS::

• Argentina
• Cultural habits
• Over-the-counter drugs
• Self-medication
• Survey

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful to Leslie France and Thomas D. France, for assistance translating this manuscript into English. This paper was partially presented at the ARVO 2010 Annual Meeting, May 2–6, 2010, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; at the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting, May 1, Fort Lauderlade, Florida; and at the Asociación de Investigación en Visión y Oftalmología 2009 Annual Meeting, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.