Open access
YOUTH'S PAINKILLING DILEMMAS: THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON SELF-MEDICATION
Błażej DYCZEWSKI1, Katarzyna RADWAN2
Publication language: English
Journal article
Transformations No. 4 (119) 2023,  Publication date: 29 December 2023
Keywords: self-medication, youth, painkillers, social capital, health behaviors, CATREG
Abstract The article analyses self-medication in young people, with a focus on painkiller use and identification of key predictors, particularly social capital. Factors such as gender, education level, family and peer relationships, pocket money, sleep deprivation, energy drink consumption, health assessment, dietary supplement use, and marijuana frequency are examined. As part of the “Social Diagnosis of School Students 2018 Lustro” project, a research study was conducted involving 70,185 students. The study used CATREG regression analysis and found that the consumption of energy drinks, health status, dietary supplements, and marijuana use are significant predictors of painkiller use. The study emphasises the role of social capital in self-medication decisions and highlights the significance of incorporating health education and psychological support in youth programmes to develop effective intervention and prevention strategies.
Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Faculty of Philosophy and Sociology, Institute of Sociology, Poland
ORCID: 0000-0002-6060-3722
E-mail: blazej.dyczewski@gmail.com
Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Health Sciences, Poland
ORCID: 0009-0006-9400-2585
E-mail: kasia.radwan@poczta.onet.pl