Use of medicines by persons with disabilities in Sao Paulo state areas, Southeastern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of medicines and the main therapeutic groups consumed by persons with physical, hearing and visual disabilities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed, where data from the 2002 Inquerito Multicentrico de Sande no Estado de Sao Paulo (ISA-SP - Sao Paulo State Multicenter Health Survey), as well as the 2003 Inquerito de Sande no Municipio de Sao Paulo (ISA-Capital - City of Sao Paulo Health Survey), Southeastern Brazil, were analyzed. Respondents who reported having disabilities were studied, according to variables that comprise the database: geographic area, gender, income, age group, ethnic group, use of medicines and types of drugs consumed. RESULTS: The percentage of use of drugs by persons with disabilities was 62.8% among the visually impaired; 60.2% among the hearing impaired; and 70.1% among the persons with physical disabilities. Individuals with physical disabilities consumed 20% more medications than non-disabled ones. Among persons with visual disabilities, the most frequently consumed drugs were diuretics, agents of the renin-angiotensin system and analgesics. Persons with hearing disabilities used more analgesics and agents of the renin-angiotensin system. Among those with physical disabilities, analgesics, antithrombotics and agents of the renin-angiotensin system were the most frequently consumed medicines. CONCLUSIONS: There was a greater use of medicines among persons with disabilities than non-disabled ones. Persons with physical disabilities were those who most consumed medicines, followed by the visually impaired and the hearing impaired.44460161

Automedicação em idosos residentes em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados Self-medication in the elderly population of Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors

O objetivo foi avaliar a prevalência e fatores associados à automedicação em idosos e identificar os principais fármacos consumidos sem prescrição. Estudo transversal de base populacional, com amostra estratificada por conglomerados e em dois estágios realizado em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, em 2008-2009. Dos 1.515 idosos, 80,4% referiram uso de ao menos um medicamento nos três dias anteriores à pesquisa. Desses, 91,1% relataram consumo exclusivo de medicamentos prescritos e o restante (8,9%), uso simultâneo de prescritos e não prescritos. Após ajuste, idade > 80 anos, hipertensão arterial, presença de doenças crônicas, uso de serviços de saúde, realização de consultas odontológicas e filiação a plano médico de saúde estiveram associadas negativamente, e renda per capita, positivamente à automedicação. Os fármacos sem prescrição mais consumidos foram dipirona, AAS, diclofenaco, Ginkgo biloba, paracetamol e homeopáticos. Sobretudo entre idosos, a assistência farmacêutica deve ser priorizada para evitar o uso incorreto de medicamentos e garantir o acesso aos fármacos necessários ao tratamento.<br>The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and causative factors associated with self-medication in the elderly and identify the main drugs consumed without prescription. A cross-sectional population-based study with stratified clustered two-stage sampling was performed in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil in 2008 and 2009. Of the 1,515 elderly studied, 80.4% reported using at least one drug duringthe three days preceding the survey. Of these, 91.1% reported the use of prescription drugs only and the remainder (8.9%) reported simultaneous use of prescribed and non prescribed drugs. After adjustment, a negative association between age > 80 years, hypertension, chronic diseases, use of health services, dental consultations and adherence to a medical plan,and self-medication was found, whereas a positive association was found with per capita income. Dipyrone, acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, Ginkgo biloba, paracetamol and homeopathic medicines were among the most used non-prescribed drugs. Pharmaceutical assistance should be provided as a priority tothe elderly, to avoid the misuse of medicines and ensure access to the correct drugs