GENDER ANALYSIS OF THE PREVALENCE OF SELF-TREATMENT AMONG PATIENTS WITH DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATION SYSTEM (BASED ON A SOCIOLOGICAL SURVEY IN THE SVERDLOVSK OBLAST)

Analysis of the prevalence of self-treatment among patients with diseases of the circulatory system is impossible without studying the opinions of patients. The objective of the study was to study gender aspects of the prevalence of self-treatment through selfprescription of drugs among patients with diseases of the circulatory system in the Sverdlovsk Oblast. Methods. 411 people were interviewed, including 261 women and 150 men. Sample - target spontaneous filling; the questionnaire was filled out in paper form during an outpatient appointment. Results and discussion. Women are more likely than men to seek qualified help from medical specialists. Self-medication is common among men aged 30 to 69 and women over 70; among people with incomplete secondary education in general, as well as among men with higher and secondary specialized education. Selfmedication is most represented in the groups of widowed women and men, as well as in the group of divorced men. The highest adherence to treatment was shown by persons who have never been married. Adherence to treatment is expressed by both working respondents and retired persons; self-treatment is common among temporarily unemployed citizens. The maximum rates of adherence to treatment were achieved in Yekaterinburg, small and large cities. In rural areas, self-medication is practiced by 54.6% of women and 46.4% of men. Gender analysis allows to identify groups of patients with diseases of the circulatory system, prone to self-medication, leading to poor health and progression of the disease.