The epidemiology of self-medication in Colombia: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Objectives: The reported frequency of self-medication in Colombia ranges from 32.3% to 84.7%, depending on the study sample and time frame. This study aimed to estimate a pooled prevalence of self-medication and its associated factors in Colombian youth and adults. Method: A comprehensive systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the studies on self-medication in Colombia published from January 2000 - June 2022 was conducted. Results: Twelve studies (n=5, 668) from urban areas were included, and a pooled prevalence of self-medication of 64.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50.8%–77.5%) was found. However, the prevalence was lower when self-medication was assessed during the last 30 days (32.3%; 95%CI 25.4%–39.3%) than when longer time frames were used. Female university students had a higher frequency of self-medication (OR= 1.72; 95% CI 1.17–2.53) than males. The most common medications were analgesics (37.7%), anti-inflammatories (33.2%), antihistamines (14.8%), and antibiotics/antiparasitics (12.1%). Lack of time and delays in medical care were reported in 35.2% (95% CI 25.6%–44.7%) of the cases. Conclusions: The reported frequency of self-medication in urban areas of Colombia changed across the studies depending on the time frame used; therefore, this should be considered when conducting and comparing studies on self-medication prevalence. Although over-the-counter drugs were the most frequently involved (85.7%), the reported use of prescription drugs such as antibiotics/antiparasitics was 12.1%. Considering that lacking time and delays in medical care were reported in a third of cases of self-medication, shortening the long waiting times for healthcare services might contribute to the proper use of medications.