A AUTOMEDICAÇÃO DE FITOTERÁPICOS POR PACIENTES ATENDIDOS NA CLÍNICA ESCOLA DE NUTRIÇÃO UNIS/MG E DE UM ESTABELECIMENTO COMERCIAL EM VARGINHA - MG

Abstract

Herbal are considered a complementary modality therapy or even alternative health nd its use has been increasing in recent decades. The objective of this research is to check he consumption of herbal medicines and self-medication among patients seen at the clinic School of Nutrition of the University Center of the Southern Mines - UNIS / MG and a commercial establishment, both in the city of Varginha. The methodology consisted of applying a questionnaire with six questions, which were recorded using herbal medicines, purpose of use, types, indicating among others. Data were collected between July-September 2015 through semi-structured interviews with 50 patients of the clinic school of nutrition in the University Center of the Southern Mines - UNIS/MG and 50 popular goers dealer retail sales of therapeutic foods Varginha. Of the respondents, 76% popular goers said retail use any plant or therapeutic tea, while 71% in clinical patients gave the same answer Regarding the purpose of use. most users clinic patients (75%) reported using herbal medicines with soothing function to cold and weight loss, as the popular (53%) said they use for weight loss, containment of urinary infections, laxative and diuretic With regard to prescription use most of the respondents. 77% of clinical patients and 69% of the popular, make use of herbal medicines on their own. The study demonstrates the need for educational activities that can improve the prescribing and use of herbal medicines. Greater disclosure and access to information on these drugs among prescribers and other health professionals can be an important strategy.