Consumo de medicamentos para COVID-19 e fatores associados em uma população adulta no município de Coari – Amazonas

Abstract

Introduction: The use of medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic had a number of impacts, ranging from the treatment of the disease to broader issues of public health, social, and economic factors. In the Brazilian Amazon, whose access to health services is restricted, the use of medicines for COVID-19 irrationally can cause health risks such as severe adverse reactions, microbial resistance, and also generate unnecessary expenses. Objective: To analyze the use of medicines for COVID-19 in an adult population in the city of Coari - Amazonas. Method: Cross-sectional population-based study conducted in the city of Coari - Amazonas. The probabilistic sample consisted of 374 adults. The macroproject data collection took place in September and October 2021, where a questionnaire composed of independent variables: sociodemographic and information about COVID-19 was used. The dependent variable was considered with the use of at least one drug for COVID-19 without medical prescription or dentist, indicated by pharmacist, nurse, Community Health Agent (CHA), neighbor or friend, family member, by the interviewee or by others, from the beginning of the pandemic to the date of the interview. Pearson’s chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used in the data analysis, where the adjustment of the regression model was evaluated by the Hosmer and Lemeshow test. Results: The prevalence of the use of medicines for COVID-19 was 68.0%, among these, the majority consumed medicines through self-medication 56.3%. The most

consumed drugs in the self-medication modality were classified in the group of systemic anti- infectives (45.9%), followed by antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents (23.8%), and

nervous system (16.5%). In the consumption of prescribed drugs, drugs classified in the group of anti-infectious drugs of systemic use (30.9%), nervous system (23.0%), and antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents (15.2%) stood out. Among the main symptoms of the disease, dysgeusia (16.1%), sore throat (15.7%), anosmia (15.6%), dyspnea (difficulty breathing) (14.9%), cough (14.6%), runny nose (13.2%) and diarrhea (9.8%). In the logistic regression model, agriculture and fishing (OR = 0.396, CI: 0.177 - 0.845 p=0.019), and symptoms of COVID-19 (OR=0.394, CI: 0.179-0.817 p=0.015) was shown as a protective

factor to self-medication practice. Conclusion: In the population, the elevated practice of self- medication mainly of antibacterial drugs for systemic use, and the prescription of a doctor or

dentist of drugs without efficacy for COVID-19, reflects the need to promote the rational use of medication, not only for the population, but also for health professionals.