Factors Contributing to Self-Medication and Consumption of Non-Prescribed Drugs in Portugal

Abstract

Objectives: This work sets out to find the relationship between taking non-prescribed drugs and predisposing, enabling and need factors. Specifically, our main aim is to find the relationship between taking non-prescribed drugs and the lack of health care. Methods: We used data from the last 2019 National Health Survey and estimate logistic regressions for the whole sample and stratified by sex. Results: The most striking finding is that people self-medicating with non-prescribed drugs seem to be replacing health care when this is not used because of financial constraints or distance from provider. This suggests that non-prescribed drugs are a fast, affordable, alternative to health care. Other findings show that income and the financial resources to cope with unexpected expenditure are considerations in taking these drugs. Health and needs are other factors triggering their consumption. Conclusion: Policy measures need to be aimed at improving access to medical care, providing responses to health needs such as those arising from chronic pain, and improving health literacy.