The problem of responsible self-medication and rational use of medications in therapeutic and pediatric practice

Belyaeva Yulia Nikolaevna, Tyapkina Darya Andreevna, Polidanov Maxim Andreevich, Kondrashkin Ivan Evgenievich, Blokhin Igor Sergeevich, Kalibatov Asker Eldarovich, Sablin Anton Sergeevich, Sandzhiev Altan Mergenovich

The problem of self-treatment of patients in therapeutic and pediatric practice has one of the important places in modern healthcare and is relevant. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence and nature of self-treatment of adults and children in Saratov. A sociological survey of 145 respondents found that patients take their children's health more seriously than their own. Most of the respondents prefer to use the Internet when self-medicating, but choose medications from advertising when treating their children. When choosing a drug for respondents, the form of release, efficacy, safety and absence of contraindications are more important. Unfortunately, respondents demonstrate a low level of trust in the healthcare system, despite its development. In order to reduce the risk of various complications of self-treatment, parents should remember that children belong to a particularly vulnerable category. The authors believe that it is necessary to improve medical literacy, an important part of which is adherence to prescribed treatment and preventive measures.

Keywords:responsible self-treatment, self-treatment of children, questionnaires, prevalence, choice of medications