Self-medication practices among 2nd year medical students in a rural medical college of Telangana state

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is a part of self-care, hence responsible use of drugs by physician is vital to prevent their acute and chronic adverse effects. People take medicines with their previous experiences and old prescriptions. People also take drugs on suggestion of pharmacist, friends and relatives during mild illness and emergencies. Aim and Objectives: To study the prevalence, knowledge, perception, and reasons in practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students in rural medical college of Telangana state. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted among 2nd year medical students of Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally, Nalgonda, Telangana by using questionnaire. Results: 129 students participated in study of which 96% of medical students use drugs for self-medications. Allopathic drugs (86%) are commonly using drugs. Students use drugs for fever (74%), cold and cough (68%), headache (50%), and pain (41%). Frequently using drugs are antipyretics (62%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (48%), cough suppressants (43%) and antibiotics (34%). The sources of drug information are old-prescription (53%) and pharmacists (30.6%). Reasons for self-medication are mild nature of illness (79%) and urgency. Conclusions: Self-medication is common practice in medical male and female students. They commonly use allopathic medicines like paracetamol and other NSAIDs for fever and sore throat. They use self-medication during mild diseases and also urgency. Frequently use old prescription and pharmacist’s assistance as sources of drug information.