Objective:

Self-medication in children has a worldwide prevalence of 50%. Acute diarrheal disease and respiratory tract infection are prevalent childhood diseases and are affected by this practice. The objective was established the prevalence of self-medication in children who consult a pediatric service and explore possible associated factors.

Materials and methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted, children who consulted for acute respiratory disease or acute diarrheal disease were included. An instrument for information collection was developed and applied. In order to explore the possible risk factors associated with self-medication, bivariate analyzes were performed and a logistic regression model was constructed. The OR with its confidence interval was estimated as an effect measure. The statistical significance value was established with a value of p <0.05.

Results:

300 children were included. The prevalence of self-medication was 46 %. The most used medications were acetaminophen (78 %) and ibuprofen (15 %). Association of self-medication was found with the history of prior self-medication and the child's age.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of self-medication is high and like that found in the literature. Possible associated factors are previous self-medication experience and the child's age. From primary care it is appropriate to carry out educational campaigns to the population of the risks of self-medication.

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