Abstract
Objective: To identify factors associated with the practice of self-medication among the elderly in the city of Montes Claros / Minas Gerais / Brazil. Methods: This cross - sectional, descriptive study was performed with elderly individuals interviewed in a drugstore in Montes Claros. A total of 302 interviews were conducted randomly collecting data such as age, schooling, drugs stored, storage conditions and frequency of use. The information collected was transferred to a database of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), through which possible associations between the variables were evaluated. The chi-square test was used to investigate the existence of associations between the independent variables. Results: 92.4% self-medicate and 97.66% use some medication daily. There was a predominance of self-medication in the age group of 60 to 66 years (28,8%) and a lower concentration between 66 and 69 years (22,8%). The most commonly used medications were antihypertensives and anti-inflammatories. Conclusion: Despite health risk, self-medication often occurs among the elderly. This study emphasizes the need to promote the rational use of drugs in this population segment.