Self-medication practices among the patients with chronic venous disease

Abstract

Pharmacotherapeutic strategies in the treatment of chronic venous disease (CVD) include a wide range of venoactive drugs available in the form of over the counter medicines and dietary supplements. The aim of this study was to investigate self-medication practice concerning the relative influence of health care professionals and self-initiative on the choice of pharmacotherapy treatment of CVD symptoms. The conducted cross-section epidemiological study showed a high presence of venoactive drugs among patients with CVD symptoms, and also implied the attendance of the self-initiative use of venoactive drugs in 35.6% respondents suffering from CVD. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups of respondents in relation to the relative influence of physician, pharmacist and self-initiative on the choice of pharmacotherapy treatment of CVD symptoms regarding the nature and route of drug administration. According to this, it is important to have data on self-medication in this area, so that future interventions can be planned.