Abstract
Background: Self-medication is common in most parts. It leads to adverse effects. The present study was conducted to assess the pattern of self -medication and reasons behind this practice.Subjects and Methods:The present study was community based cross-sectional in nature conducted upon 198 adults residing in the rural field practice area. Sociodemographic profile and details of self-medication were noted.Results:63.1% of the respondents were males. 35.9% of them belonged to the age group of 30-40 years. 32.8% were illiterate and 85.9% were Hindu. A total of 198 respondents practiced self-medication (51.2%). Most common symptom was headache (85.9%). Common cold (63.1%), fever (56.1% and gas (31.8%) were other common complains. Paracetamol (90.0%), pantoprazole (51%), other NSAIDs (42.9%) and cold tablets (36.9%) were other medicines used commonly. 69.2% respondents said that they were practicing it for minor illnesses, 36.9% cited economic reasons while 46% said that consulting a physician needed much time and self-medication was time saving.Conclusion: Prevalence of self-medication is high. Strict drug regulations are needed.
Highlights
Self-medication has been defined by World Health Organization as ‘the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms.[1]
Paracetamol (90.0%), pantoprazole (51%), other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (42.9%) and cold tablets (36.9%) were other medicines used commonly
[Table 4] shows the reasons cited for use of self-medication. 69.2% respondents said that they were practicing it for minor illnesses, 36.9% cited economic reasons while 46% said that consulting a physician needed much time and selfmedication was time saving
Summary
The present study was conducted to assess the pattern of self -medication and reasons behind this practice. Subjects and Methods: The present study was community based cross-sectional in nature conducted upon 198 adults residing in the rural field practice area. Results: 63.1% of the respondents were males. A total of 198 respondents practiced self-medication (51.2%). Common cold (63.1%), fever (56.1% and gas (31.8%) were other common complains. Paracetamol (90.0%), pantoprazole (51%), other NSAIDs (42.9%) and cold tablets (36.9%) were other medicines used commonly. 69.2% respondents said that they were practicing it for minor illnesses, 36.9% cited economic reasons while 46% said that consulting a physician needed much time and self-medication was time saving.
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