gms | German Medical Science

Background: To find out what opinions/attitudes young, well-educated adults have towards self-medication, we conducted a survey during the Long Night of Science. One objective of the survey was to gain insight into the need for information and sources of information, especially before using a self-medication product for the first time. In addition, fears associated with the use of self-medication and situations related to the appropriate use of self-medication were evaluated [1].

Materials and Methods: The participants were provided with a printed questionnaire to be filled in. Participants who were at least 18 years of age, had sufficient German language skills, and had not previously taken part in the survey were invited to participate. The questionnaire included ten questions divided into six main topics, covering the following areas: (ii) frequency of use; (iii) appropriate complaints and situations for self-medication use; (iv) limits of self-medication (risks/limitations/fears); (v) information sources and behavior; and (vi) influences on the decision to use self-medication.

Results: We received a total of 189 completed and valid questionnaires during the event. The median age of our respondents was 29 years (Q25: 22.0/Q75: 44.0). The majority of respondents (64.0%) identified as female, while 14.8% indicated that they were have or had an affiliation to a healthcare profession.

In the survey, 93.7% stated that they would inform themselves about dosage before using a self-medication preparation for the first time. Nevertheless, over 40% of those surveyed said that they were afraid of overdosing on their self-medication preparation. Over 58% said they were very or rather worried about developing a dependency on their self-medication products.

When asked about the helpful sources for obtaining information on self-medication and self-medication products, the most helpful sources of information were: pharmacist (93.7%), physician (92.1%), and the package leaflet (91.5%). Social media (4.8%), health shows (11.7%), and mail-order pharmacy websites (18.5%) were seen as the least helpful sources of information to get valid information about self-medication products.

Conclusion: Young, well-educated adults inform themselves thoroughly before using a self-medication preparation for the first time. Information sources such as pharmacists or physicians are clearly preferred by this group over online information sources.