ATTITUDES TO ONLINE SELF-MEDICATION IN BULGARIA – THE COVID-19 IMPACT

ABSTRACT

Our aim was to study online self-medication attitudes in Bulgaria towards weight management and stimulation of immune system during COVID-19 pandemic. A short anonymous online survey was published in popular lifestyle and news sites for 1 month. Using HTML5 banner technology, a banner-survey was programmed, collecting the data from user’s behavior and evaluated the number of interactions and answers received. We used marketing tools to receive health related data, trying to combine creative and user-friendly design with serious health topic, in order to receive large scale sincere responses. The survey was shown 4,449,653 times and had 33,544 unique interactions. 57% of people, who answered the first question, refrain from online self-medication. Majority of users, who answered positive, would purchase online a weight control medication or supplement to stay in shape and immunostimulants ‒ to solve health problem. The trends shown in our study indicate the importance of Internet as platform for health education in Bulgaria, where healthcare providers should take a leading role. Bulgarian Regulatory bodies are taking measures to regulate the usage and online purchase of herbal products and medications, but still risks from online self-medications are much greater than potential benefits. The respondents were targeted at the place of their activity – online and therefore the answers were genuine and honest. The high activity proved digital channels’ potential for both receiving and providing health information and education. © 2021, Central Medical Library Medical University – Sofia. All rights reserved.