SELF-MEDICATION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES ACROSS DIFFERENT CARE CONTEXTS: A SCOPING REVIEW PROTOCOL

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to map and synthesize the available evidence on self-medication practices among adults with chronic diseases across all healthcare settings, identifying key concepts, sources, and knowledge gaps. Introduction: Non-communicable chronic diseases represent one of the main global health burdens. Self-medication is a common but risky behavior in this population, which can lead to adverse drug events and drug interactions. Despite its widespread occurrence, evidence regarding this practice is dispersed across different disciplines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria: This review will include studies involving adults (aged 18 years or older) diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases; that address any form of self-medication (over-the-counter drugs, previously prescribed medications, shared medications, or natural products); in any healthcare setting worldwide; encompassing primary research (observational, experimental, qualitative), systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines; published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish between 2015 and 2025. Exclusion criteria will cover pediatric populations, acute conditions without chronic comorbidity, editorials, commentaries, and conference abstracts without full text available. Methods: A three-step search strategy will be applied across the PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts, with a third reviewer resolving conflicts. Data extraction will be conducted using a standardized form to capture study characteristics and results. Results will be presented in tables and a narrative synthesis, following the PRISMA-ScR extension. The protocol is registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF). Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers using a standardized and piloted instrument, organized into 12 sections covering identification, study characteristics, population, prevalence, motivations, consequences, patient knowledge, and socioeconomic context. Expected Results: The review anticipates mapping the volume and characteristics of the global literature on self-medication in chronic patients, identifying the most commonly used drug classes and the primary drivers related to socioeconomic factors and healthcare access. The protocol is currently in the final refinement phase of the search strategy. The findings will highlight critical knowledge gaps and provide evidence for patient safety policies. Data will be synthesized narratively and presented in tables, graphs, and figures, organized by type of chronic disease, drug class, and geographic region. Keywords: chronic disease; drug utilization; health behavior; nonprescription drugs; self-medication.