Self-medication practices among adults of north Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is on rise landing up in drug resistance. This study assessed the knowledge, practice and attitude of self-medication among both urban and rural adults of north Karnataka.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2020 to November 2020. A total of 200 adults were selected considering 100 each from urban and rural areas by convenient sampling technique. Random houses were visited and individuals meeting the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria were interviewed after taking informed consent. All health care professionals were excluded from the study. A pre-tested questionnaire consisting of demographic information and questions related to knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication was used to collect the data.Results: Our study found that 37% and 70% of participants from rural and urban Dharwad respectively practiced self-medication. Majority of those who self-medicate were educated in both rural and urban areas. 5.5% and 11.5% of rural and urban residents respectively self-medicated with antibiotics. A significant proportion of those who self-medicated from both study areas were in managerial and above positions (21.6% from rural and 25.7% from urban Dharwad). Majority of them used painkillers for self-medication.Conclusions: The prevalence of self-medication was high among urban residents compared to rural area. A significant association was found between self-medication practices and education, occupation and socio-economic status. Thus, knowledge must be increased among people regarding the dangers of self-medication and issues addressed to avoid it from happening by passing laws that avoid easy sale and availability of medicines.