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.