# Epidemiological Profile of Exogenous Intoxications by Self‐Medication in Brazil: A Decade of Trends and the Impact of the COVID‐19

## TL;DR

This study examines how self-medication led to poisoning cases in Brazil over a decade, noting a rise during the pandemic and highlighting the need for better public health policies.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the epidemiological trends of self-medication intoxications in Brazil, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Key findings

- Self-medication intoxications increased significantly in 2022 and 2023, with notable regional variations.
- Women and individuals aged 20–59 were most affected, with most cases resolving without long-term effects.
- The pandemic altered the sociodemographic patterns of self-medication intoxications.

## Abstract

Self‐medication carries the potential for significant adverse events when practiced irresponsibly. The indiscriminate use of medicines notably intensified during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological profile of exogenous intoxications due to self‐medication among Brazilians from 2014 to 2023.

This was a cross‐sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study utilizing secondary data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health's Notifiable Diseases Information System. Confirmed cases of self‐medication intoxication reported between 2014 and 2023 were included. Descriptive analysis, incidence and lethality rate calculations, chi‐squared tests (p ≤ 0.05), and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) were performed to explore potential associations between sociodemographic and clinical variables.

A total of 23 859 cases were analyzed. The study observed a predominance of adults (20–59 years), women (70.8%), and individuals self‐identifying as White or Brown (mixed‐race). Most cases resulted from an acute‐single exposure to the medication and resolved with complete recovery without sequelae. There was a national increase in incidence, particularly in 2022 and 2023, and significant variations among Brazilian Federative Units. The MCA identified associations between advanced age and the type of exposure (repeated or chronic) and the severity of outcomes. It also revealed changes in the sociodemographic profile of self‐medication intoxications during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

These findings underscore the pandemic's impact on self‐medication patterns and intoxication notifications. The study highlights the need for public policies focused on health education, appropriate medicine use, and strengthening the culture of reporting in Brazil.