Prevalence and impacts of self-medication in a disadvantaged setting: the importance of multi-dimensional health interventions

Background Self-medication is recognized as an effective form of treatment and increasingly encouraged to treat minor illnesses. However, misuse self-medication leaves devastating impacts on human health causes antimicrobial resistance. Using medication without a prescription among farmers could cause more severe effects their than non-farm workers since they suffer from several occupational hazards such excessive exposure pesticides. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 197 residents living Moc Chau August September. structured questionnaire face-to-face were used collecting data. The multivariate logistic model applied indicate associated factors with the self-medication. Results prevalence 67%. Pain relievers (66.7%) antibiotics (32.5%) types medicines that most commonly purchased medical prescription. Ethnics status also significantly affected practice well purchase use antibiotics. distance travel center dangerous or difficult travel, participants arthritis inpatient had buying using medicine farmers. Conclusion Our research highlights considerably high residing mountainous area Vietnam. Individual ethnics, status, centers, found be related SM From that, current suggests interventions. For instance, official guidelines are needed raise awareness minimize disadvantages self-medication; digital technologies should reduce gap healthcare service between other areas