Prevalence of Self-medication Practices and Their Associated Factors in Puducherry, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is the most important health issue in developing countries like India. Even though there is abundant healthcare access, self-medication is still chosen by the patients. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of self-medication and the factors associated with self-medication practices among the urban fisherman population in Puducherry. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 to December 2021 (6 months) among 18-60 years fisherman population residing in the urban practice areas. The sample was selected by simple random sampling technique using a semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent from the participants. Data analysis was carried out by chi-square test and proportions. Results: The majority of participants about 77.8% belonged to the 30-60 years age group; and, 57% were male and 43% were female. The prevalence of self-medication was 67%. Socioeconomic status had a statistically significant relationship with self-medication among other sociodemographic factors including age, gender, education, and occupation. It was found that 82.05% of participants practiced self-medication for their previous similar complaints. The source of information regarding self-medication obtained from the pharmacists is 55.8%. Among the various types of self-medication, allopathy drugs were among the most important reasons because of their easy access. Most self-medication was taken for the symptoms such as cough, cold, flu, headache, and myalgia, and the side effects were found to be 12.1% for self-medication. Conclusion: The majority of the participants used self-medication for cough, cold, flu, headache, myalgia, etc. in case of emergency to hospitals. Awareness about health hazards, drug resistance in prolonged self-medication practice, and regulation of pharmacies limit self-medication.