MEDIVOZ: AN APPLICATION TO HELP THE USE OF OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS

Abstract

The rate of use of Over the Counter (OTC) drugs is high in the population that uses drugs incorrectly or self-medicate without knowing the risks that this attitude can cause. The aim of this study was to create and test a mobile application, which allows the user to access an intuitive and accessible bulletin board, with direct and clear information about OTC. The MediVoz app was developed and registered at the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), process number 512018052096-0. Individuals of both sexes over 18 years old were interviewed; answered a questionnaire with questions about the use of OTC and the functionality of the MediVoz. It was observed that women have higher frequency of use of these drugs, (51.8%). When considering the salary, those who make frequent use of OTC receive up to 3 basic salary (52%). Of respondents, 36% said they rarely seek information about OTC before use, and 26% said they rarely receive information from the pharmacist about OTC they buy. Regarding the MediVoz application, 97% of respondents said they would use it when needing information about some OTC, and 98% thought Medivoz’s reading and pronunciation of information makes understanding easier. All participants respond that the Medivoz app makes clarify doubts about OTC. Thus, it is concluded that Medivoz has proved to be a practical and useful tool to answer questions about OTC.