PRACTICE OF SELF MEDICATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A STUDY OF PHARMACIES IN CIREBON, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

Abstract

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.  In March 2020, WHO declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic.  During the pandemic, it was found that people prefer to buy medicines independently from the pharmacy rather than going to the doctor or hospital.  This condition was not good, because using medication without supervision can increase the risk of health problem.  This study aimed to describe the practice of self-medication among the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This research used a descriptive design, conducted in Cirebon from August to September 2020.  The number of the respondent was 500, with a consecutive sampling technique.  The results showed the respondents characteristics as follows: median age of 38 years, 64% female, 36% housewife, 39% attained senior high school, 59.6% had less than the regional minimum wage, and 84% had no health insurance.  There were four classes of medicines that were most often used among the community during the COVID-19 pandemic: analgesics (51%), corticosteroids (23%), proton pump inhibitor (6%), antibiotics (11%), and vitamins (10%).  The majority of people who practice self-medication used analgesics, corticosteroids, and antibiotics.  This fact requires attention and action, because self-medication has negative impacts on individual health such as adverse drug reactions and antibiotic resistance.