ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
The use of drugs has improved general population quality of life and health conditions. However, pharmaceutical industries spread a purely curative view and total well-being associated to its use. This study aimed at evaluating population attitudes with regard to the use of drugs in the city of Frei Paulo/SE, Brazil.
METHODS:
Data were collected by means of a questionnaire applied by trained people and in the presence of the community health agent, in the micro-regions of the Family Health Strategy.
RESULTS:
Participated in the study 186 people, predominantly females (77.95%) with mean age of 45.25±14.91 years. 73.12% of respondents have reported reading patient information leaflets, however approximately 40.0% of respondents have not completed elementary school, which might have impaired the understanding of such information. 31.72% have stated knowing that drugs in high doses may harm health. However, 9.14% of participants have confirmed using drugs in doses higher than those prescribed, and from them, 29.41% had complications.
CONCLUSION:
It is imperative the development of public policies focusing on population information and awareness with regard to the responsible use of drugs.
Keywords:
Attitudes; Drugs; Headache