Prevalence and reasons for self-medication for prevention of COVID-19 among the adult population in Kermanshah-Iran

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence of self-medication and reasons for self-medication (SM) for the prevention/treatment of COVID-19 among the adult population.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: This study was performed on 147 adults in Kermanshah, Iran. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire and analysed by SPSS-18 software using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The prevalence of SM in the participants was 69.4%. Vitamin D and vitamin B complex were the most commonly used drugs. The most common symptoms leading to SM were fatigue and rhinitis. Strengthening the immune system and prevention of COVID-19 (48%) were the main reasons for SM. Factors related to SM included marital status [OR = 8.04, 95% CI = (3.62, 17.83)], education [OR = 0.16, 95%CI = (0.08, 0.35)] and monthly income [OR = 0.09, 95%CI = (0.03, 0.26)].

Patient or public contribution: Yes.

Keywords: COVID-19; prevalence; prevention; self-medication; treatment.