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Abstract
Introduction: Self-medication is a significant and growing public health issue worldwide, leading to various adverse consequences such as drug interactions, complications from incorrect dosages, and the development of drug resistance. In Georgia, self-medication has become a particularly prominent concern, driven in part by the country’s high out-of-pocket expenditures on medicines, which account for 38% of total healthcare costs-ranking Georgia first among European nations. Despite this, the frequency of outpatient medical visits remains low, at only 3.6 visits per capita per year, compared to the European average of 7.6. This low engagement with formal healthcare services has contributed to the widespread practice of self-medication in the country.
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of self-medication in Georgia, analyze the factors driving this behavior, and evaluate its public health implications.
A quantitative survey was conducted with 310 randomly selected adults.
The findings revealed that a large majority (93.1%) of participants reported engaging in self-medication, especially for mild illnesses (70.6%). The sources of information for self-medication were varied, with 60.6% of participants relying on the experiences of relatives, 38.8% on pharmacists, and 38.8% on previous prescriptions. A significant factor contributing to self-medication was the low level of trust in medical professionals, with many participants citing negative experiences with healthcare providers and the high cost of medicines. Additionally, 42.6% of respondents used antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription, mainly for common symptoms like fever (55.7%) and sore throat (54.2%). The study also found that 54.7% of respondents considered medicines to be less affordable, highlighting the financial barriers to proper medical care. These findings suggest the urgent need for policy reforms, including strengthening primary healthcare, improving doctor-patient relationships, and regulating pharmaceutical marketing practices to reduce the reliance on self-medication in Georgia.