Contents
What is self-medication?
Self-medication is a human behavior in which an individual uses a substance or any exogenous influence to self-administer treatment for physical or psychological ailments. The most widely self-medicated substances are over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements, which are used to treat common health issues at home.
Why is self-medication a problem?
Self-treatment may lead to several health problems: misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medication, concurrent use of several medications, and use of home remedies to treat potentially serious diseases, which may lead to misdiagnosis or masking of potential health problems.
How can you prevent self-medication?
Use all medicines as directed by a health professional. Never share your prescription medications with others or use someone else’s prescription medications. Always store your medications securely to prevent others from using them and properly dispose off that are no longer in use.
What are the advantages of self-medication?
Self medication also has advantages for healthcare systems as it facilitates better use of clinical skills, increases access to medication and may contribute to reducing prescribed drug costs associated with publicly funded health programmes.
What is the concept of self-medication and what constitute self-medication?
INTRODUCTION Self medication is a major form of self-care [1] . It involves the use of medicinal products by the consumer to treat self recognized disorder, symptoms, recurrent disease or minor health problems [2, 3, 4] . It is independent of age for both males and females [5] .
Is self-medication good?
While self-medicating may offer some relief in the short-term, over time it only exacerbates your problems. Whether you turn to alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications (or even food or cigarettes), regular self-medication can lead to addiction, a worsening of mood disorders, and increased health problems.
What are the disadvantages of self-medication?
The risks of self-medication include:
- Incorrect self-diagnosis.
- Delays in seeking appropriate medical advice and proper treatment.
- Potential adverse reactions.
- Worsening of the condition the individual is trying to self-treat.
- Dangerous drug interaction.
- Masking of severe diseases.
- Risk of dependence and abuse.
What are the problems of self-medication?
Self-medication can lead to drug addiction, allergy, habituation, worsening of ailment, incorrect diagnosis and dosage, or even disability and pre-mature death. This is the reason why people must avoid self-medication at all cost.
What are the disadvantages of self-administration of medication?
Disadvantages. The disadvantages of self-administration are few. The patient’s drugs have to be dispensed in individual bottles which is more time- consuming and labour intensive for pharmacy staff than preparing stock bottles of drugs.
What is self-medication in health education?
Self-medication involves the use of medicinal products by the consumer to treat self- recognized disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continued use of a medication prescribed by a physician for chronic or recurring diseases or symptoms.
Why is it important to encourage and support self-administration of medication?
Self-administration of medication takes place when a patient has responsibility for managing their medication, and is encouraged and supported to play an active role in taking their medication. This has been shown to improve treatment adherence and is important for rehabilitation.
What is the first step in assisting with self-administration of medication?
Before You Begin
- Ensure this task is within your scope of practice.
- Check the individual’s plan of care and your organization’s policies and procedures.
- Give medications within 1 hour of the scheduled dose or within 30 minutes if a time-critical medication.
- Administer medications immediately after preparing them.
Why are student participation activities important in the classroom?
Student participation is an important aspect of teaching. Learners who engage in student participation activities retain more information and give their teachers important visibility into how they understand concepts. In a study by Faculty Focus, more than 70% of students saw a positive relationship between their participation and learning.
How to promote self-regulation in the classroom?
There are many activities that can be incorporated into classroom routines to promote self-regulation. Play games such as “Red Light, Green Light,” “Simon Says,” or “Mother May I.” These games teach children to pause before reacting. They provide opportunities to practice listening.
What does active participation mean in social care?
What is ‘Active participation’ Active participation is a way of working that supports an individual’s right to participate in the activities and relationships of everyday life as independently as possible. The individual is an active partner in their own care or support rather than being passive.
Why is self medication so important in healthcare?
Abstract Self medication is becoming an increasingly important area within healthcare. It moves patients towards greater independence in making decisions about management of minor illnesses, thereby promoting empowerment.