The Prevalence and Factors Associated With Self-medication in the Prevention of Covid-19 in Elderly in 2020

Introduction: The Covid-19 Crisis and Health Outcomes is one of the most important human social events of the 21st century. The unknown nature of the disease and the fear of contagion have caused emotional reactions, including the Self-consumption of drugs in the elderly. Therefore, this study investigated the factors affecting the Self-consumption of drugs in the prevention of Covid- 19 in the elderly in Sabzevar. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional study was performed on 342 elderly people in Sabzevar in 2020. The research units were selected as clusters from 16 health centers. Data were collected through an online self-medication questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16. Results: The mean age of the participants was 66.2± 5.67 years. The frequency of self-medication  used to prevent Covid-19, were 190 elderly (55.5%) Analgesics, vitamins, anti-cold, and antibiotics were the most common drugs used. The most important factors associated with self-medication in Covid epidemic 19 were disease prevention, home quarantine, financial Problems, experience of previous self-medication and other peoplechr('39')s advice. there was significant relationships between self-medication and with education and insurance coverage. No significant relationship was observed between gender, occupation and marital status with self-medication Discussion and Conclusion: Self-medication in the Covid-19 epidemic is notable as a crisis threatening the health of the elderly. Controlling and monitoring how the drug is used is one of the requirements for protection and health promotion in the elderly community.