Pattern and practice of self medication in students of health professional university in North India

Abstract

Background: To determine the prevalence, pattern and practice of self-medication in health professional students of a University in North India.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months among the students of University. Data was collected through anonymous, self-administered, structured and validated 15 questions based questionnaire. Data was analysed by using descriptive statistical analysis.Results: Out of the 1538 students enrolled, 1350 (88.6%) students of University practiced self medication in the past 6 months. Prevalence of self medication varied among students of different courses (MBBS, BDS, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and paramedical) and different professional years of same course. Self medication practices were comparable between MBBS and BDS students with no significant difference (p=0.293). Fever and headache were the most frequently reported illness for which self medication was taken. Analgesics and antipyretics were the frequently self medicated drugs. Most common reason for seeking self medication was minor illness (41%). Among all the students 6% of them complained of adverse effects with the use of self medication. About 85% students of University reported as treated with self medication.Conclusions: Practice of self-medication is common among the health professional students. In this situation it is important to create awareness and educate the students about pros and cons of self medication through educational programs.