Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of self-medication with psychotropic drugs among students attending preparatory courses for the ENEM in Goiânia, Brazil. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study, using an online questionnaire applied to 94 students from a private preparatory course (both in-person and online formats). Results: The data showed that 51.1% (48/94) of the students reported using psychotropic drugs without a medical prescription. The most commonly used classes were anxiolytics (52.2%, 36/69) and psychostimulants (39.1%, 27/69), with anxiety being the most frequently reported condition. The majority of participants (73.4%, 69/94) intended to pursue a degree in Medicine. It was observed that, despite 73.4% (69/94) of students reporting awareness of the risks of self-medication, indiscriminate use persisted in 51.1% (48/94) of the students. Conclusion: Self-medication with psychotropic drugs is a concerning issue among pre-university students, highlighting the need for educational actions and public policies aimed at promoting the rational use of medications in this population.
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