Automedica？？o em idosos residentes em Campinas, S？o Paulo, Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados

the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and causative factors associated with self-medication in the elderly and identify the main drugs consumed without prescription. a cross-sectional population-based study with stratified clustered two-stage sampling was performed in campinas, s？o paulo, brazil in 2008 and 2009. of the 1,515 elderly studied, 80.4% reported using at least one drug duringthe three days preceding the survey. of these, 91.1% reported the use of prescription drugs only and the remainder (8.9%) reported simultaneous use of prescribed and non prescribed drugs. after adjustment, a negative association between age > 80 years, hypertension, chronic diseases, use of health services, dental consultations and adherence to a medical plan,and self-medication was found, whereas a positive association was found with per capita income. dipyrone, acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, ginkgo biloba, paracetamol and homeopathic medicines were among the most used non-prescribed drugs. pharmaceutical assistance should be provided as a priority tothe elderly, to avoid the misuse of medicines and ensure access to the correct drugs.