Original scientific paper
CHARACTERISTICS OF SELF-MEDICATION FOR PAIN RELIEF AMONG FIRST-YEAR HEALTH CARE STUDENTS IN ZAGREB, CROATIA
Kristina Čuljak Brlić
; Sales Representative, B. Braun Adria d.o.o., Zagreb, Croatia
Nataša Janev Holcer
; Health Care Associate, Environmental Health Service, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Slavica Sović
; Department of Medical Statistics, Epidemiology and Medical Informatics, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Danijela Štimac
; Department for Public Health, Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Background: Taking over the responsibility for one's own health and active participation in eliminating the existing health
problems is ever more widespread in the world. Self-medication in the form of using any kind of therapy without previous
consultation with medical professionals has been ever more common among student populations in many countries. The aim of this
study was to determine the attitudes about self-medication for pain relief and features of self-medication in first-year students of the
University of Applied Health Studies in Zagreb.
Subjects and methods: The study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire, which was completed by 389 respondents.
Results: Taking painkillers in the past year was reported by 74.6% of respondents, significantly more by female students
(80.8%); 62.6% of female students used painkillers once a month versus 45.7% of male students taking analgesics once a year.
Ibuprofen was preferred by female students and acetylsalicylic acid by male students. Headache was the most common indication for
taking painkillers (76.6%), followed by menstrual discomforts in female students (66.2%) and toothache (28.6%). Significant sex
differences were recorded in the choice of drugs, indications for self-medication, and frequency of drug use. There were no
differences between study courses.
Conclusions: Appropriate student education and improved information transfer between professionals and students are the key
elements to ensure judicious, quality and knowledge based use of drugs among students.
Keywords
self-medication for pain relief; painkillers; health care students; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
265279
URI
Publication date:
23.12.2014.
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