Self-Medication Patterns during a Pandemic: A Qualitative Study on Romanian Mothers’ Beliefs toward Self-Treatment of Their Children

Abstract

Self-medication represents a significant healthcare and health policy issue worldwide, both in developed and underdeveloped countries. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic is considered a relevant context that could subtly trigger self-medication behavior because of limited access to health care services and the threat of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While the previous research conducted with quantitative methodologies reported a dramatically increased rate of self-medication around the world, qualitative inquiries on the subjective experience with self-medicine remain scarce in medical and related fields of study. For this purpose, a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was undertaken to better understand how Romanian mothers (n = 18) applied self-treatment with their children by avoiding medical advice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the prevalence of self-medicine among the pediatric population as parents achieved a degree of awareness of self-treatment of their children due to the general context of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Factors associated with parental self-medication for common childhood illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a single centre study

“…This trend is similar to a study done in Romania which showed fever as the commonest symptom and the antipyretics commonly used by mothers without prescription. 12…”

“…11 Inadequate medical knowledge, monetary and emotional reasons along with limited and restricted access to healthcare facilities enhanced the avoidance and delayed visits to the healthcare professionals. 12 Medications being made available at people's doorsteps by courier services has contributed to an upsurge in self-medication practices since partial/complete lockdown and social distancing were widely encouraged throughout the pandemic period. 13 Difficulty in approach to professional healthcare services, either due to lack of transport or family beliefs is also a contributory reason for self-medication for common diseases in children.…”