A automedicação preventiva da Covid-19 e a influência da mídia

Abstract

Covid-19 was classified as a pandemic in March 2020. From then on, information on this infection was plentiful on the media. In its majority, the Brazilian population is not suitably knowledgeable about the medicaments, preparations or pharmacologically active products, such as the allopathic, phytotherapeutic, medicinal plants and essential oils. This research investigated the use of self-medication with a preventive purpose for Covid-19, from March to December 2020 and the contribution from the media in this process. It was applied to the general community, in a virtual setting, comprising 21 Brazilian states with 102 cities, with the predominance of the state of Paraíba. The sample contained 476 participants, out of whom 328 (69%) stated having used one or more products or allopathic medicaments for the prevention of Covid-19, with emphasis placed on Vitamin C, Ivermectin and Vitamin D. Regarding the use of homeopathic and/or phytotherapeutic medicaments and/or medicinal plants and/or essential oils, 127 people (26.7%) stated having used some of them. In Phytotherapy, there is highlight on teas, such as garlic alone or in association with lemon; In Apitherapy, propolis and honey; in Aromatherapy, the essential oils of eucalyptus, melaleuca and lavender. The scenario of the pandemic highlighted the practice of self-medication among us. The influence of the media became evident in this research, with emphasis placed on the official websites, television and social media. This influence is beneficial when based on science. Nonetheless, when mistaken or intentionally manipulated, such as on fake news, this influence jeopardizes the population´s health.