Self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic among the adult population in Peru: A cross-sectional survey.

Self-medication impacts both negatively and positively the health of people, which has become evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medicated drugs used for respiratory symptoms, as COVID-19 preventive, for its symptoms or once tested positive. To determine the perception of symptom relief and demographic variables that promote self-medication in Peru. We performed a cross-sectional, analytical, multicenter study in 3792 study respondents on the use, the reason for use, and perception of relief after the use of six drugs during the quarantine period. An online questionnaire was developed, pretested and submitted to the general public. Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain factors that influence an individual's desire to self-medicate, associations were considered significant at p < 0.05 and using region (coast, mountain and jungle) as cluster group. The majority of respondents self-medicated with acetaminophen for respiratory symptoms and mainly because they had a cold or flu. It was observed that all the surveyed drugs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, azithromycin, penicillin, antiretrovirals and hydroxychloroquine) were consumed for various symptoms including: fever, fatigue, cough, sneezing, muscle pain, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache and breathing difficulty. Over 90% of respondents perceived relief of at least one symptom. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older people have a higher frequency of antiretroviral self-medication, respondents who currently have a job had a higher frequency of penicillin self-medication, and that respondents from the Andes consumed less acetaminophen, while the ones from the rainforest consumed it more. There were significant percentages of self-medication, including drugs without sufficient scientific evidence. Age, region where one lived and job status were variables associated with self-medication frequency. Continuous awareness and sensitization about the risks of self-medication are warranted.

Factores asociados al fatalismo ante la COVID-19 en 20 ciudades del Perú en marzo 2020 / Factors associated with fatalism in the face of COVID-19 in 20 Peruvian cities in March 2020

RESUMEN Introducción: la pandemia del COVID-19 ha generado reacciones diversas, pero estas aún no han sido medidas en la población latinoamericana. Objetivo: determinar los factores asociados a la percepción de fatalismo ante la infección del COVID-19 en pobladores de 20 departamentos del Perú. Material y Métodos: estudio transversal analítico, de tipo multicéntrico que con una muestra de 2466 personas en 20 departamentos del Perú midió el fatalismo ante la pandemia del COVID - 19 a través de una encuesta validada (Alpha Crombach: 0,78) que consistía en 7 ítems. El análisis estadístico fue realizado en función de cada ciudad y se consideró significativos p < 0,05. Resultados: de los 2466 encuestados, el 36 % se deprimirían, el 26 % piensa que podrían fallecer, el 17 % dice que esto es evidencia del fin del mundo y el 9 % podrían tomar una decisión fatal. Las mujeres tuvieron mayor frecuencia de 3 de las conductas fatalistas (contagiarse p=0,020; contagiar a otros p=0,004 y deprimirse p=0,020). A mayor edad hubo 5 percepciones (contagiar a otros p=0,007; complicarse p<0,001; deprimirse p<0,001, pensar que morirían p<0,001 o suicidarse p=0,014). Los que tenían un riesgo para complicación por COVID-19 tuvieron 4 percepciones (contagiar a otros p=0,024; complicarse p=0,002; pensar que morirían p<0,001 y que esto es señal del fin del mundo p=0,039). El ser agnóstico tuvo menor frecuencia de 5 percepciones, el ser ateo en 2. Conclusión: Se halló muchas ideas fatalistas entre la población ante la pandemia de coronavirus.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated diverse reactions, but these have not yet been measured in the Latin American population. Objective: To determine the factors associated with the perception of fatalism in the face of COVID-19 infection in inhabitants of 20 cities in Peru. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter study with a sample size of 2 466 people from 20 cities of Peru that measured fatalism during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted through a validated survey (Cronbach´s alpha: 0,78) consisting of 7 items. Statistical analysis was conducted in terms of each city, and p < 0,05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 2 466 respondents, 36 % were depressed, 26 % thought that they might die, 17 % say that this was evidence of the end of the world, and 9 % could make a fatal decision. Women were more likely to engage in three of the fatalistic behaviors (becoming infected, p = 0,020; infecting others, p = 0,004, and becoming depressed, p = 0,020). At an older age there were 5 perceptions (infecting others, p = 0,007; becoming complicated, p < 0,001; becoming depressed, p < 0,001, thinking they would die, p < 0,001; or committing suicide, p = 0,014). Those at risk of complications of COVID-19 had 4 perceptions (infecting others, p = 0,024; becoming complicated, p = 0,002; thinking they would die, p < 0,001; and thinking that this is a sign of the end of the world, p = 0,039). Respondents who were agnostic exhibited a lower frequency in 5 perceptions, while atheist respondents showed a lower frequency in 2 perceptions. Conclusion: Many fatalistic ideas are found among the population in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.