An overview of self-treatment and self-medication practices among Slovenian citizens

Background: The aim of this study was to acquire data related to the prevalence of self-medication use among inhabitants of Slovenia. We focused on the use of different self-medication practices, reasons for their use, the groups that use them, and probable association with socioeconomic status of an individual user. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, based on anonymous questionnaires, posted in April 2009 to one thousand randomly chosen inhabitants in all regions of the Republic of Slovenia. Results: We got 41.0 % response rate. 51.0 % of the respondents have used some form of self-treatment in the previous year. 69.3 % used OTC drugs and 38.3 % prescription drugs for self-medication. 83.1 % of them got the drugs for self-medication from the pharmacist but 23.0 % of them got the drugs for self-medication from their friends and relatives. Several demographical characteristics of the respondents were statistically significantly associated with self-medication practices; thus women were more likely using OTC drugs, vitamins and minerals, and more likely buying them in pharmacies, as compared to men; students and active population were more likely to use OTC drugs, also more likely buying them in pharmacies as compared to other population groups. Conclusions: The use of self-medication in Slovenia is very high, but mainly in quite safe mode. Majority of medicines are bought in regulated pharmacies, where users can also get pharmaceutical care. Physicians have to take into account self-medication in their patients, take a thorough self-medication history and make good use of each consultation by educating the patients on appropriate and safe use of prescribed and OTC medicines.