To Risk or Not to Risk? Evaluating Self-medication Practices among Ecuadorian Adults During COVID-19 Lockdown

Background Self-medication involves using drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms. According to WHO, it is associated with a high risk among the general population, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective This study aimed to assess self-medication practices, risks, and severity index among Ecuadorian adults during the first COVID-19 lockdown period in April 2020, using a descriptive non-experimental research design and a hazard risk assessment score analysis. Material and Methods A descriptive non-experimental research design was used to assess self-medication practices, risk, and severity index among 364 Ecuadorian adults during the first COVID-19 lockdown period in April 2020. The study utilized an online survey and Hazard-Risk-Assessment-Score (HRAS) analysis of clinically relevant questions. Descriptive statistics were mainly used, integrating Chi-square and ANOVA analysis using R. Results Despite a high level of education among the surveyed population, there was a significant risk of medication-related problems, with 63.1% and 26.72% of respondents at the third and fourth risk levels, respectively. Furthermore, 55% were at severe risk of self-medication, while 35% opted for medication therapies recommended on television, social media, or by influencers instead of consulting health professionals. Another 39% took medication before receiving recommendations from a doctor or pharmacist. Conclusion The study highlights the need to improve the image of pharmaceutical chemists as part of multidisciplinary health teams, monitor prescriptions of the doctors, and reduce drug side effects to mitigate the risks associated with self-medication.