Objectives:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the behavior in the use of medicines, recreational drugs and the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Argentine population during the course of the ASPO (Social, Preventive and Mandatory Isolation) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

An online survey was designed ad hoc and was available between June 28 and July 9, 2020 through Surveymonkey© and was disseminated through so-cial networks. Univariate and bivariate analyzes were performed.

Results:

43.6% of the 2,906 participants reported using medications for chronic diseases. A significant difference (p=.000) was observed in the decrease in consumption between those who were treated in public health care providers (17.9%) and those who did it in private medicine (7.2%). Likewise, a significant difference was found in the decrease in access by the area of residence (p =.031), being lower in the City of Buenos Aires (6.8%) than in the rest of the national territory (10.6%). Of the total of individuals surveyed, 38.3% reported having self medicated during the ASPO, of these 59.3% did not alter their self-medication routine, 15% decreased their consumption and 25.7% increased it. 23.9% of the sample reported consuming recreational drugs. 47.8% of users reported having increased consumption. Likewise, 66.3% reported drinking alcohol regularly, and of these, 40.1% increased their consumption.

Conclusions:

It is important to continue the care of chronic diseases, mental health and substance use. In particular, strengthening the public health system and the provinces.

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