Frecuencia y características clínico epidemiológicas de los pacientes menores de 5 años automedicados que acuden al servicio de emergencias del Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, Cuenca 2021

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is the act of consuming medicines and home remedies without consulting a doctor, this can cause adverse effects or complications of the disease. Objective: Identify the frequency and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of self-medicated patients under 5 years of age who attend the emergency service of the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital. Cuenca 2021. Methods: Descriptive study, infinite universe made up of patients under 5 years of age who attended the pediatric emergency service of the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital during 2021. The sample was 295 patients, it was calculated considering an infinite universe, based on 95% confidence, 20% lower prevalence and 5% precision. Data collection was carried out by reviewing medical records and applying a survey designed by the author. The information was analyzed applying descriptive statistics. the variables are presented in frequencies and percentages. Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 21.4%, with a predominance of: Men (58.7%), preschoolers (49.2%), the most prevalent caregivers were mothers (88.9%), The most common symptom was fever (41.3%) The most used medication was NSAIDs analgesics (33.3%), the most common origin of the medication was the recommendation of a friend (34.9%). None of the caregivers knew of possible adverse effects of self-medication. Conclusion: One in every 5 children under 5 years of age who went to the emergency service of the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital during 2021 was self-medicated.