%0 Journal Article
%T Consumption of non-prescribed drugs in Portugal during the pandemic in 2021
%J International journal of public health
%D 2023
%A Tavares, Aida Isabel
%A Ferreira, Pedro Lopes
%A Raposo, Vitor
%A Quintal, Carlota
%V 68
%N 
%P e1606021-e1606021
%X OBJECTIVES: Portugal liberalised the over-the-counter drugs market in 2005 and provides universal healthcare coverage in a mainly Beveridge-type health system. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced healthcare to change how services were delivered, especially increasing remote consultations in primary care. This analysis aims to find the drivers for taking non-prescribed drugs during the pandemic in Portugal. Specifically, it seeks to understand the role of taking prescribed drugs and attending remote medical appointments in the self-medication decision. <br><br>METHODS: In this observational study, we used data collected during the pandemic in Centre Region of Portugal and estimated logistic regression for the whole sample and stratified by sex. <br><br>RESULTS: The main findings show that people taking prescribed medications and attending a remote consultation are more likely to take non-prescribed drugs. Also, reporting unmet healthcare needs seems to motivate people to choose self-medication. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Policy implications are pointed out concerning the health risks raised from self-medication, the role of the pharmacist advising non-prescribed drugs, and the related health risks arising from unmet healthcare needs.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group
%@ 1661-8556
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2023.1606021