Self-Medication Practice in Mexico

Abstract

Objective To determine the prevalence and features of self-medication (SM) in Mexican populations. Data Sources An electronic bibliographic search was carried out from databases and indexing services including Scopus, PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (Clarivate Analytics), Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar addressing SM practice in Mexican populations, SM with allopathic or conventional medicines (CM) or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and features of SM (diseases-related, factors-associated, and drugs). Study Selection A total of 33 studies addressing SM practice in Mexican populations. SM with allopathic or CM and/or CAM, and features of SM (diseases-related, factors-associated, and drugs) were included. Data Extraction Two independent reviewers evaluated the titles and abstracts. After that, eligible studies were fully assessed. Quality evaluation was realized by the Mix Methods Appraisal Tool. Data Synthesis SM prevalence ranged from 6.1 to 100%. SM prevalence was 42.3% with CM and 30.7% with CAM. Respiratory and gastrointestinal affectations such as disorders or injuries were the main conditions for which SM was realized. The main reasons for practicing SM were prior experience and less costly. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidiarrheal were the main drugs used as SM. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and gordolobo (Verbascum thapsus) infusions were the plant-derived alternative medications mainly used. CMs were obtained mainly through pharmacies and home/family. SM was mainly suggested by relatives, pharmacists, and own decision. Conclusion SM was a common practice in the Mexican population, and it has some similar characteristics to other reports worldwide.