Knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students in an Institute of National Importance in North India

Abstract

Background: According to previous studies, self-medication is becoming increasingly common among medical undergraduates. Only a few studies, however, have been undertaken in Northern India. Aims and Objectives: The current study set out to evaluate the undergraduate medical students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication, as well as to look into any variations in knowledge and attitude (if any) among different subgroups of participants. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based, descriptive study. The individuals (n = 137) were given a pre-validated questionnaire that included open- and closed-ended questions. IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (version 26) was used to conduct the data analysis, and the findings are presented as counts and percentages. Results: The incidence of self-medication was 58.4%, which was very high. The most common reason for this was its usefulness for fever (91.2%). Antipyretics (82.5%), analgesics (63.7%), and antacids (48.7%) were the most regularly utilized drug groups. Seniors, classmates, and family members were the most prevalent sources of information. Common ailments included fever (91.2%), common cold, and cough (55%). Ironically, 41.6% of those surveyed opined that self-medication should be avoided. Conclusion: Self-medication is more widespread among medical undergraduates, suggesting that they are more exposed to drug side effects than the general population. Medical students are supposed to be trained to be made aware of the need to avoid self-medication; hence, action needs to be taken.