Study on impact of pharmacology teaching on practice of self-medication among MBBS students

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is consumption of medicines without consulting a physician. The present study was undertaken to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among medical students and to compare impact of pharmacology teaching among them.Methods: A cross-sectional comparative questionnaire-based study was conducted among 200 II MBBS and III MBBS students. Data was collected and analyzed.Results: 90.91% II MBBS students and 85.97% III MBBS students practiced self-medication. The commonest reason cited for self-medication among both the groups was minor ailments and intention to get quick relief. The commonest indication for self-medication was common cold and fever. The commonly used drugs were analgesics followed by cough remedies and antibiotics. Our study showed that the knowledge about generic and trade name, package inserts, course of treatment and adverse effects was more among third year students who had completed pharmacology curriculum. Hence the Pharmacology teaching equips the student with better knowledge to choose a drug for self-medication. Only 4.54% of II MBBS students and 13.79% of III MBBS students agreed on the practice of self-medication. Majority believed that medical education is necessary for better administration of self-medication. Both II and III year MBBS students opine that growing trend of self-medication can be prevented by prevention of supply of medicines without prescriptions and education.Conclusions: Our study shows the positive impact of pharmacology curriculum on the knowledge attitude and practice of self medication among medical students.