Purpose: Self-medication is a practice commonly studied through surveys, so the time frame and recall period can affect the reported frequency.This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-medication and its associated factors in Colombian youth and adults and to explore the potential effect of the self-medication time frame on its reported frequency.Methods: Comprehensive systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the studies on self-medication in Colombia published from January 2000 -June 2022.Results: A total of 12 studies (n=5,668) were included, and a pooled prevalence of selfmedication of 64.2% (95% CI 50.8%-77.5%)was found.When a subgroup analysis was performed according to the self-medication time frame, the prevalence was significantly lower when self-medication was evaluated during the last 30 days (32.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 25.4%-39.3%),compared to longer recall periods.The self-medication frequency was greater in female university students (OR= 1.72; 95% CI 1.17-2.53)than in males.The most frequently used medications were analgesics (29.5%), anti-inflammatories (22.4%), antihistamines (9.9%), and antibiotics/antiparasitics (16.7%).As determinants of self-medication, lack of time and delays in medical care were reported in 35.2% (95% CI 25.6%-44.7%) of the cases.Conclusions: Self-medication in Colombia is a public health concern.The self-medication time frame significantly affected the reported frequency, with a lower pooled prevalence of self-medication in the last 30 days, compared to longer time frames.Developing and validating an instrument to assess self-medication using a short time frame would permit more reliable population measurements.