On the Health Risk Links Involved in the Self-Medication of Chinese Urban Residents / 中国药房

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:To discuss the health risk links involved in self-medication of Chinese urban residents. METHODS: Based on literature study and the experts consultation, the high risk links of the self-medication were defined according to the process of self-medication behavior and the probability of the health harm involved in the self-medication behavior, and the intervention suggestions were put forward for the health risks. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS: The health risk links involved in self-medication of Chinese urban residents appear as 6 links include self-diagnostic error, incorrect drug choice, failing to understand or follow drug package inserts in taking drugs, irrational drug use, unaware of the drug contraindication, disregarding the physiological particularity of the special drug users. Carrying out education on self-mediation and behavior management among the residents, and reinforcing the government control are the effective ways to reduce the health risk of self-medication.