RT journal article
T1 Self-Medication Practice and Associated Factors Among Health Professionals in Spain
A1 Cotobal Calvo, E.M.
A1 Mata Pérez, Concepción
A1 Bocchino, Anna
A1 Gilart Cantizano, Ester
A1 Gutierrez Baena, Belén
A1 Palazón-Fernández, José Luis
A2 Enfermería y Fisioterapia
K1 attitude
K1 health professionals
K1 perceived efficacy
K1 self-medication
AB (1) Background: Self-medication, defined as the use of medications without professional supervision, is a common practice that presents both potential benefits and significant risks. This study analyzes the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of self-medication among health professionals in Spain. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed with 438 health professionals, predominantly women (81.1%), with a median age of 42 years. The majority of the healthcare workers were nurses (45%). (3) Results: The results revealed a high prevalence of self-medication (59.4%). Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs were the most commonly used. Age and professional knowledge emerged as significant factors influencing this behavior. The main reasons for self-medication included the mildness of symptoms, easy access to medications, and previous successful experiences. Digital sources, especially websites, were the most consulted. Confidence in artificial intelligence tools as a clinical resource was moderate, with 18% of participants consulting AI tools, a rate comparable to the 19.5% for scientific databases. Logistic regression analysis identified age, knowledge of recommended doses, and perceived efficacy as significant predictors, while concern about risks acted as a protective factor. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the need for educational interventions aimed at promoting responsible self-medication practices and mitigating associated risks among healthcare professionals.
PB Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
SN 2039-4403
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/36433
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/36433
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 08-nov-2026