Risk perception about the covid-19 pandemic and its effect on self-medication practices in population of northwestern Mexico

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of the risk perception of covid-19 on self-medication practices in Mexican population. A total of 526 participants over 18 years of age were surveyed, 68.4% women and 31.6% men residing in northwestern Mexico. Using a structural model, the relation and prevalence of self-medication were analyzed. Risk perception about covid-19, consisting of preventive practices and the perception of the threat of the pandemic, was negatively correlated with self-medication practices, which indicates that people who follow preventive care recommendations tend to reduce the use of self-medication and to improve emotional selfmedication. Furthermore, the study shows that at least half of the participants have used drugs during the pandemic without medical prescription. Self-medication is a critical health problem; therefore, awareness programs about the adverse effects of medications can help reduce self-medication practices in Mexico.