The phenomenon of self medication: domestic and Foreign Experience

  • Authors: Aksenova E.I.1, Kamynina N.N.1, Turzin D.S.1, Lukichev K.E.2
  • Affiliations:
    1. State Budgetary Institution «Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical management of Moscow Healthcare Department», Moscow, Russian Federation
    2. Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
  • Issue: No 2 (2025)
  • Pages: 106-111
  • Section: Articles
  • URL: https://bulleten-nriph.ru/journal/article/view/2910
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.69541/NRIPH.2025.02.019
  • Cite item

Abstract


Self medication is a global health problem that is becoming particularly relevant in the context of digitalization and limited access to medical care. In the Russian Federation, this practice is recognized as one of the key threats to the healthcare system, which requires the development of scientifically sound strategies to minimize it. The analysis of international and Russian experience has revealed the main factors of the spread of self medication: organizational barriers (difficulties in making an appointment with a doctor), economic constraints, low medical literacy (denial of the risks of self medication), and the availability of over the counter medications. The development of antimicrobial resistance and complications of diseases is particularly dangerous. Effective measures aimed at preventing and reducing the effects of self medication include: improving regulatory regulation, introducing educational programs, developing telemedicine services, and monitoring the advertising of medicines. The results of the study emphasize the need to move to the concept of responsible self medication, taking into account international experience and Russian specifics.

About the authors

Elena I. Aksenova

State Budgetary Institution «Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical management of Moscow Healthcare Department», Moscow, Russian Federation

Email: niiozmm@zdrav.mos.ru

Natalia N. Kamynina

Email: natalya_kamyn@mail.ru

Dmitry S. Turzin

State Budgetary Institution «Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical management of Moscow Healthcare Department», Moscow, Russian Federation

Email: b71112@yandex.ru

Konstantin E. Lukichev

Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation

Email: lukichev.lkl@gmail.com

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