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Covre et al. | Journal of Clinical and Translational Research 2024; 10(1): 78-84 79
global issue [2]. In several international studies, the prevalence complete the survey. The data were tabulated in GraphPad Prism
of self-medication stands at an average of 12% – 90% [3-6]. 9 software (Boston, MA, USA), with 95% reliability (P < 0.05).
During COVID-19 pandemic, the self-medication rate increased Fisher’s test was used for the analysis of the variables.
exponentially and numerous adverse effects from self-medication The research was approved by the Human Research Ethics
have been documented [7,8]. Committee of the UNESC, following the ethical principles defined
Some individuals self-medicate themselves with psychotropic by Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council for carrying
drugs for better academic and professional performance or esthetic out research involving human beings (Certificate of Presentation
or recreational purposes. The prevalence of psychotropic drug for Ethical Appreciation [CAAE] in 33291620.1.0000.5062,
misuse is found to be high among university students, professionals opinion no. 4,091,372).
who live under a high level of stress, and businessmen. This Colatina has 111,788 inhabitants and is a regional indicator
practice is deleterious and can cause insomnia, anxiety, and of health status in the entire Northwest macro-region of Espírito
emotional ability in the short term. Moreover, it is associated with Santo in Brazil. Colatina is an important medical and hospital
long-term physical or psychological dependence, cardiovascular, care center that provides a series of treatments, ranging from
cognitive, motor alterations, and risk of overdose [9]. Therefore, basic care to highly complex examinations. This hub comprises
this study aimed to characterize the prevalence of indiscriminate seven hospitals, 54 municipal health units, 15 clinical analysis
use of psychotropic drugs among students in the health discipline laboratories, six radiology clinics, two hemodialysis centers, a
in Colatina, Espírito Santo, to decipher the factors that spur on this Regional Specialty Center, a blood center, and a Municipal Health
practice. A better understanding of these factors can help with the Surveillance Center, among others. The university under study is
formulation of preventive measures. responsible for training professionals for these institutions.
2. Materials and Methods 3. Results
We evaluated the use of psychotropic drugs and associated The sample obtained consisted of 122 students who agreed to
factors among students enrolled in health courses at a university answer the questionnaire, equivalent to 7% of the total population
center in Colatina, Espírito Santo. For this purpose, we carried of 1743 students regularly enrolled in health courses. In Table 1,
out a descriptive study, since the objective was to determine the we present the characteristics of the students evaluated, the
distribution of health-related conditions (the use of psychotropic
drugs), according to time, place, and/or characteristics of Table 1. Evaluation of characteristics and health of the students (n=122)
individuals, in a single analysis. We chose students of health Variable N (%)
courses because previous studies have shown a higher prevalence Gender
of self-medication among students, which is attributable to higher Female 96 (78.7)
workload, social pressure, greater access to information, and easy Male 26 (21.3)
way of obtaining medication due to the lack of more stringent Age (years)
regulations. The institution had approximately 4000 students 18–24 91 (74.6)
enrolled during the period in which the questionnaire was applied 25–34 23 (18.8)
(between July and August 2020), of which 1743 were from courses 35 or above 8 (6.6)
in the health discipline. At first, we expected to obtain a sample Course
of 149 students, considering the 12% prevalence of psychotropic Nursing 24 (19.7)
use in Brazil [10]; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we Pharmacy 9 (7.4)
obtained a sample smaller than expected. Finally, we included 122 Physiotherapy 20 (16.4)
students for the research (confidence level was estimated at 95% Medicine 45 (36.9)
and the sampling error with a margin of 5%), excluding students Nutrition 17 (13.9)
younger than 18 years old. The percentage of students interviewed Dentistry 7 (5.7)
was proportional to the number of students enrolled in each
course. Only students enrolled in any heath discipline courses in Course period
the institution and aged 18 years old or older were included in this 1–3 semester 17 (13.9)
study; students younger than 18 years old were excluded. 4–6 semester 77 (63.2)
For data collection, an online questionnaire adapted from the 7–12 semester 28 (22.9)
“IV survey on drug use among the first- and second-grade students Had used psychotropic drugs at some points in life
in 10 Brazilian capitals” was utilized [11]. The survey took an Yes 61 (50.0)
average of 5 min to complete. The questionnaire was applied only No 61 (50.0)
once and included questions about the following variables: gender, Consider mental health issues is a priority
age, course, course period, health data, self-assessment of physical As a priority and requires medical attention 116 (95.1)
and mental health, and pattern of use of psychotropic drugs and As a priority but does not require medical attention 3 (2.5)
observed effects. Only individuals who agreed to the terms set As a phase in life and does not require medical attention 3 (2.5)
forth in the Informed Consent Form (TCLE) form agreed to Colatina, Espírito Santo, Brazil, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36922/jctr.00093