Disadvantages Of Self-medication Research Articles

Evaluation of the factors that contribute to patient self-medication in outpatient department (OPD) at Kabwohe Health Centre IV

Self-medication is a common practice in both rural and urban settings, in older people with chronic illness and young people. Self-medication leads to irrational drug use, drug resistance, and severe disease development. This study seeks to determine the factors that contributes to self-medication among patients at out-patient department at Kabwohe Health Center (HC) IV. It was a cross sectional study using quantitative method of data collection. It was conducted at Kabwohe HC IV located in Sheema District in southwestern Uganda. The study involved patients attending Outpatient Department (OPD) at Kabwohe HC IV. Simple random sampling was used to recruit patients into the study. Microsoft excel was used to analyze data and it was presented in form of frequency distribution tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study involved 89 participants attending OPD at Kabwohe HC IV, majority of the participants (86.5%) were less than 35 years and females were slightly more than males. The reasons for self-medication include; non-availability of doctors at the health facility as the main factor (95%), knowledge of diagnosis (84%), lack of time (75%) and financial problems (74%). Self-medication remains a challenge at Kabwohe HC IV. Patients should be educated on the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication. The DHO should strengthen policy implementation on the use of drugs to reduce the burden of irrational drug use that increases the cost of purchasing the wasted drugs, and increasing drug resistance. DHO, should also conduct routine clinical audit on patient care to identify missed opportunity in care and develop action plan to address challenges in service delivery. Keywords: Health Centre, Patients, Kabwohe, Outpatient Department and Self-Medication

A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF SELF-MEDICATION FOR DIARRHEA AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL.

Background: Most of the diarrhea is self- limiting. Mainstay of treatment is supportive in form of ORS, with careful monitoring for any signs of dehydration. Self-medication practices are common in medical students with 50-70% range reported in various studies. Medical students are have easy access to both ORS and antibiotics. Current study was undertaken to understand the practice of antidiarrheal drugs among MBBS students in our setup. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 100 undergraduat Methods: e medical students in OctoberNovember 2021 in P.D.U. Medical College, Rajkot, Gujarat. Total 100 students participated in the stu Result: dy in which 59% males and 41% females were included. 49% students were practicing self-medication. Text books were the major source of information about drugs followed by internet. Commonly chosen therapy for diarrhea was ORS (54%) followed by metronidazole (19%) followed by loperamide (11%) and Fluoroquinolones (10%). 37% students use antibiotics without prescription and 44% of students do not complete the course. Our Conclusion: study observed self-medication is commonly practiced among medical students. Purpose behind self-medication is to save the time. Educating these medical students regarding the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication as well as antibiotics resistance is necessary to create awareness among them.

Peningkatan pemahaman perilaku swamedikasi dengan metode Theory Planned Behaviour dalam promosi kesehatan

Swamedikasi is Self-medication can be a health problem because of limited knowledge about drugs, so it will affect a person behavior. Improper implementation of self-medication will cause other health problem. This health promotion aims so that teachers can understand the right self-medication such as drug selection, how to use the drug, and the appropriate dose. This counseling method is in the form of direct interviews with Theory Planned Behaviour (TPB) method. Participants in this program are all 33 female teachers of SMKS Fania Salsabila Jambi city, totaling 33 people. But, in this activity there were only 20 respondents, because 13 of them were male teachers. The result was that 20 participants showed that 100% of participants had done self-medication to deal with complaints they felt. The results of the benefits of self-medication for all participants answered that they were more efficient, while the disadvantages of self-medication were 80% of the participants admitted that they were wrong in setting the dose and 20% of the participants said that “in some conditions the drugs used were not in accordance with the complaints”. In conclusion Theory Planned Behaviour (TPB) id needed because it is important to know individual perceptions about a population in a particular social environment that supports or opposes behavior carried.

Perception and practice of 4th year MBBS students on self- medication

Background: Self-medication practice is widespread in many countries and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern. It assumes a special significance among medical students as they are exposed to knowledge about diseases and drugs. Medical students must be able to distinguish about their drugs outcomes on body. Aim: To assess perception and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out among 4thyear MBBS students of Lahore Medical & Dental College in January 2019. Students of 4th year MBBS were asked to engage in the study after getting voluntary informed consent. A structured questionnaire was used. Data was entered, analyzed in SPSS 20. Results: In this study respondents 39.1% were male and 60.9% female. It was found that 77(67%) students practiced self-medication. The principal morbidity for seeking self-medication was headache as reported by 96(83.5%) students. NSAIDS were most commonly self-medicated as reported by 67(58.3%) students. Only 31(27%) students advised others for self-medication. Conclusion: Self-medication is widely practiced among under- graduate medical students. In this situation, we should educate the students about advantages and disadvantages of self-medication. Keywords: Self-medication, medical students, perception, practice.

Antibiotic Self-Medication and Risk Factors among Medical Students in an Iranian University: a Cross Sectional Study

Background: Self-medication with antibiotic is a widely prevalent practice all over the world especially among medical students. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence and the pattern of self-medication among medical students in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among the undergraduate medical students from a referral university in Tehran, Iran. All data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences program (SPSS) version 20. Results: A total of 201 students were enrolled in the current study. According to the analysis, 129 (64.1%) of the study population reported that they have self-medicated with antibiotics at least once in their student life. The principal morbidities for seeking self-medication include cough and common cold (23.4%) followed by fever (14.9%). The most frequent antibiotics used to self-medicate the mentioned morbidities were: amoxicillin (62%), co-amoxiclav (19.4%), penicillin (17%), cefixime (16%), azithromycin (14%) and tetracycline (9%). The majority of the participants stated cost saving, convenience and lack of confidence as their reasons for self-medication. The drug selection was mostly based on opinion of family members (31.8%), their own experience (27.4%) and the least commonly reported was selection based on recommendation by net citizens (0.5%). Conclusion: Our study indicates that self-medication is widely practiced among students of the college. In this situation, the health care system should create as effective awareness and educate their students regarding advantages and disadvantages of self-medication.

Self-Medication Practices among MBBS students in North Indian Medical College

Background: Self-medication is defined as selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms. Self-medication can lead to various health problems like adverse drug reactions, prolonged suffering, and drug-dependence and increase resistance among various pathogens. Very few studies have evaluated its pattern and prevalence in physiotherapy students. Material and Methods: Study setting: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on the second year MBBS students of Maharishi Markandeshwar institute of Medical sciences and research collaborated with a tertiary care hospital in North India. Study design: A questionnaire consisting of open and close ended questions related to various aspects of self-medication was distributed to the students. An informed consent was given to them and only the students, who gave consent, anonymously filled the questionnaire and participated in this present study. Results: A total of 104 students, two incomplete questionnaires were excluded and remaining 102 were analyzed. The most common ailment for seeking self-medication was common cold and cough (44.11%), sore throat (24.50%), fever (12.74%), pain abdomen, heartburn, diarrhoea, menstrual cramps, gynecological infections (18.62%) are the main factors attributed to predominant ailment which leads them to self medicate. The commonly/frequently used drugs or combination drug therapy included were antipyretics including paracetamol (32.35%), NSAIDs including aspirin(23.52%), antibiotics including antimicrobials(15.68%), Antihistaminics (9.5%), Antifungals including topical ointments/lotions(10.78%%), and other miscellaneous accounting for 7.84%.According to our documented results cost effectiveness (65.68%) has emerged as the prominent reason for self medication, followed by time saving (13.72%), further ease (12.74%) for reaching the drug/medicine as considered by participants as the valid point through pharmacy or leftovers. and last but not least learning opportunities (07.84%) were also accounting as the interesting reason for this pattern of self medication. Conclusions: Our study concludes that self-medication pattern is widely practiced among second year MBBS students of this institute. As the pattern of self medication is very high as documented in this study thus, there is affirm need to make them aware about the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication in order to ensure optimistic usage of pattern of self medication with reduced errors and wholesome advantages.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self-Medication among Nursing Students of Nepalgunj Nursing Campus Kohalpur Banke

Introduction: Self-medication is widely practiced among the nursing students because of easy availability and accessibility of the drugs. Inappropriate self-medication can leads to increased resistance among pathogens, wastage of resources, can cause serious harm and increase morbidity; which indicates needs of responsible self-medication. Aims: This study was to assess the self-medication knowledge, attitude and practice among nursing students. Methods: This was a questionnaire based descriptive cross sectional study conducted in Nursing students of Nepalgunj Nursing Campus, Kohalpur, on August 2019. Questions related to various aspects of self-medication was used for data collection. Results: Out of 120 students, 102 (85%) students were found practicing self-medication with reason of no need to visit the doctor for minor illness 78%, for quick relief 75% and for time saving 50%. Only 15% not taken self-medication reasoning there was risk of adverse effects 65% and risk of using wrong drugs 60%. The source of information of the drugs used for self-medication was previous prescription and text book was 50% and 35% respectively and the source of the drugs was medical store, 88.2%. Majority of 96% took for headache followed by fever 83.3%; menstrual symptoms 68.6%; and cough and cold 68.6% and dirrhoea 64.7%. Most of the students 96% took analgesics and antipyretics drugs. Conclusion: Our study shows that self-medication is significantly practiced by nursing students. There is need to aware them about advantages and disadvantages of self-medication in order to ensure safety and proper use of drugs.

Self-Medication Among Undergraduate Students

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of self-medication among undergraduate students of medical sciences Study design and setting: Cross-sectional Study was conducted at Al-Tibri Medical College Hospital, from October 2019 to February 2020. Methodology: Data was collected after an ethical approval of concerned institute; total of 150 students included from the 1st, 3rd and final year of MBBS. Valid questionnaire was used to evaluate the response of the participants regarding selfmedication. Verbal consent was taken from the students, and then they were asked to fill their responses. Data was evaluated in the form of frequency and percentages through SPSS version 21.0. Chi-square test was applied, and the level of significance was considered p=<0.05 Results: Out of total of 150 students, 58.7% were males and 41.3% females. In students of 1st, 3rd and 5th year the most common morbidity for seeking self-medication was headache, flu/cough, fever, and pain. The percentage of drug/ drug groups commonly used for self-medication included antipyretics being 36%, 54% and 64%, antibiotics were 50%, 86% and 90%, and analgesics was 42%, 62% and 64% in 1st, 3rd and 5th years respectively. Common reasons for pursuing selfmedication were minor illnesses (50%, 81%, 94%), easy availability (52%, 82%, 92%) and quick-relief (50%, 58%, 100%) in 1st, 3rd and 5th year respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, self-medication was observed in a large percentage of students. Thus, medical curricula need further consideration to promote awareness regarding the disadvantages of self-medication in undergraduates so we can curb this self-medication culture from our society

Prevalence of self-medication of antibiotics among 2nd-year medical students and their knowledge about antibiotic resistance

Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of self-medication practices of antibiotics among medical students and to evaluate the knowledge of medical students about antibiotic resistance at SMS Medical College, Jaipur, India. Methodology: In this descriptive type of cross-sectional study, a 31-item prevalidated questionnaire was prepared, which comprised both open-ended and closed-ended questions. The response was obtained, and the students were sensitized about the rational use of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance and about advantages and disadvantages of self-medication. Results: The response rate in our study was 83.3%. The mean age of respondents was 20.09 ± 1.34 (mean ± standard deviation). While 63.2% of participants were found to be self-medicators, the most common source of knowledge about self-administration of antibiotic was information from parents as reported by 40.6% of respondents. The majority of students (35.8%) consumed amoxicillin. Gender-based significance of the difference of knowledge regarding self-medication was found nonsignificant as the value of P > 0.05. The majority of students (91.4%) knew about antibiotic resistance. There was no gender-based significant knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance. Overall knowledge of students was satisfactory. A postsession lecture on antibiotic resistance and its association with self-medication was arranged to reinforce the knowledge of students. Conclusion: The awareness about the increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance is one of the needs of the moment. The following Graduate Medical Education core competencies were addressed: Medical knowledge, Practice-based learning and improvement, Interpersonal and communication skills.

Prevalence, practice and pattern of self-medication among medical students in Al-Iraqia Medical College, Baghdad, Iraq

Introduction: Self-medication is increasingly being a common practice worldwide more so amongst the medical students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication among the medical students and to describe the self-reported practice and pattern of medication by undergraduate medical students at Al-Iraqia University in Baghdad city. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional survey. Out of 440 students enrolled, 400 (>90%) responded. The data was collected using self-administrated pretested questionnaire and then analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. Results: During the last one year preceding the study, 85% of respondents using self-medication mostly among single students (98.2%), aged 20+ years old (56.5%), in fourth academic level (27.1%), living with their families (73.2%) and of non-sufficient income (54.7%). The main indication for seeking self-medication include headache as reported by 83.8% followed by cold and cough and fever 80.3% and pain elsewhere in body (70%). Drugs commonly used for self-medication included analgesics 89.4% and anti-pyretic 67.9%. Minor illness was the most common reason for self-medication (80.6%). 56.8% and 45% of respondents follow pharmacist and textbooks respectively as a source of information in practicing self-medication. Most of respondents practiced self-medication for themselves (57.9%) and for both; themselves and their family members (45%). Some level of awareness was reported among non-practiced self-medication students; 60% of them were afraid from risk of adverse reaction of drugs. Conclusion: Self-medication is broadly practiced among medical students in this College. Therefore, there is need to improve the medical educational program to raise the awareness level regarding the advantage and disadvantages of self-medication to ensure safe usage of drugs.

Self-medication: Prevalence among Undergraduates in Kathmandu Valley

Background: Self-medication is defined as the use of medicines to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms, instead of seeking advice from professionals.
 Aim: Our study was aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among undergraduates in different colleges of Kathmandu valley.
 Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among undergraduates of Kathmandu valley. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to students in 4 different colleges. Chi-square test was used to determine statistical significance. Likert’s scale was used to measure attitude.
 Results: 240 students participated in this study. Totally, (92.9%) students had known and taken medicine without doctor’s prescription. More than half of the participants (56.6%) had good knowledge on self-medication and nearly three quarter (74.7%) of the respondents had a positive attitude regarding self-medication. Fever, cough/cold and aches/pain were the most common symptoms for self-medication, thus making antipyretics and analgesics the most popular self-medication drugs. Pharmacists and family were the major source of information regarding self-medication.
 Conclusion: Based on the findings, the prevalence of self-medication was high (94.9%). Majority respondents had good knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication but still practiced it.

Self-Medication of Antibiotics Among Medical College Students of Chattogram

Background: The study was conducted to observe the prevalence of practice regarding self medication of antibiotics among medical students. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study which was conducted among the preclinical phase, paraclinical phase and and clinical phase of medical students of four Medical College and Hospital in Chattogram. Total 120 students of four medical colleges participated in the study. Results: Total 120 undergraduates participated in the study. Among them 48(40%) were male and 72 (60%) were female. The prevalence of selfmedication among the medical students was 90(75%) whereas 30(25%) mentioned that they didn’t follow or encouraged selfmedication. The most important indication for antibiotic self-medication was cough and cold (60%) diarrhea (40%) then sore throat and dental infection (10%). The most common class of antibiotic self-medicated was Metronidazole (60%) followed by Azithromycin (53.33%) Amoxycillin 24(16%) and Erythromycin 20 (16.66%). Conclusions: This questionnaire based study revealed the higher prevalence of self-medication of antibiotics among the undergraduate especially in preclinical phase. The major and important reason for misuse of antibiotics is lack of proper knowledge on antibiotic resistance. It is important to spread the information and knowledge about antibiotic misuse by selfmedication and its consequent effects. Hence, incorporation of chapter in rational use of antibiotics becomes necessary and restrict the curriculum not only in Pharmacology undergraduate medical study but also should be included in the school books that can emphasizes more on the disadvantages of self medication of antibiotic.
 JCMCTA 2018 ; 29 (2) : 22-27

Practice of self-medication among medical students in a region of northern state of India

Background: Self-medication usually leads to irrational drug utilization pattern leading to various issues like economic burden, incomplete treatment and antibiotic resistance. Self-medication is a common practice in developing countries and prevalent among medical students, influencing their future decision making as medical professional. The current study was carried out to determine the prevalence of self-medication among medical students and their attitude towards the same.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital from July 2015 to Oct 2015. Structured and validated questions were used to collect information about knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students. The study included total of 328 participants. Data were collected from each participant and analyzed statistically by using SPSS version 20 for count and percentages.Results: A total of 328 subjects studying at a medical school were assessed regarding their practice, attitude and perception of self-medication behavior. Out of total recruited subjects, 53% were males and 47% were females. The prevalence of self-medication among recruited subjects was 89.9%. Symptoms like fever, Headache and weakness were the most common reasons of self-medication. The most commonly used drugs were antipyretic, analgesics (81.7%), antibiotics (51.2%). Approximately 15% subjects were not aware about the completion of the course of antibiotic treatment. Subjects obtained information and procured drugs from their family members, friends and pharmacist and the reasons for this were cited as lack of time, minor ailments and quick relief. Only 32.6% students opined that self-medication should be encouraged in future.Conclusions: Current study reveals that practice of self-medication is highly prevalent among medical students without adequate knowledge of drugs used. Students should be educated regarding advantages and disadvantages of self-medication.

Self-medication practice of antihistaminics H1 blocker among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Self-medication is a widely prevalent practice in India. It assumes a special significance among medical students as they are the future medical practitioners and differ from general population as they are exposed to the knowledge about drug and diseases. Self-medication is very common among the medical students, and from previous studies, it was seen that antihistaminic was commonly taken as self-medication. Aims and Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students toward antihistaminics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among the 300 undergraduate medical students of 2nd and 3rd year from July to December 2018 after taking the approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee. Results: It was found that 200 (90%) respondents practiced self-medication. Most common conditions for taking antihistaminic self-medication were allergic rhinitis (39%), sinusitis (34%), motion sickness (7%), urticaria (14%), and insect bite (6%). Most common reasons for seeking self-medication were mild illness (50%), time-saving (33%), cost-effectiveness (11%), and urgency (6%). Commonly used H1 antihistaminics were cetirizine, levocetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine, hydroxyzine, and promethazine; main source of their knowledge was from their medical textbooks (50%), internet (30%), and parents and friends (20%). Most of the students reported that antihistaminics were safe drug, the only side effects that they reported were sedation, drowsiness, and lack of concentration, and second-generation antihistaminics were costly. Conclusion: Undergraduate medical students commonly use antihistaminic as self-medication because they are having easy access to knowledge related to the antihistaminics and their adverse effect. We as a faculty should ensure that students practice self-medication only when he/she knows the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication.

Prevalence and determinants of self-medication practice among selected households in Addis Ababa community.

Background and aimSelf-medication (SM) is one part of self-care which is known to contribute to primary health care. If practiced appropriately, it has major benefits for the consumers such as self-reliance and decreased expense. However, inappropriate practice can have potential dangers such as incorrect self-diagnosis, dangerous drug-drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease, and/or risk of dependence and abuse. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of the self-medication practice (SMP) in Addis Ababa.MethodologyA community based cross-sectional study was conducted among selected households in Addis Ababa from April 2016 to May 2016, with a recall period of two months before its conduction. Trained data collectors were employed to collect the data from the 604 sampled participants using pre-tested and validated questionnaires.ResultAmong the 604 participants involved in this study, 422 (69.9%) were female and 182 (30.1%) were male and there was a mean age of 41.04 (± 13.45) years. The prevalence of SM in this study was 75.5%. The three most frequently reported ailments were headache 117 (25.7%), abdominal pain 59 (12.9%) and cough 54 (11.8%). The two main reasons for SM were mildness of illness 216 (47.4%) and previous knowledge about the drug 106 (23.2%). The two most frequently consumed medications were paracetamol 92 (20.2%) and traditional remedies 73 (16.0%), while drug retail outlets 319 (83.3%) were the main source of drugs. The two most frequently reported source of drug information were health professionals 174 (45.4%) and experience from previous treatment 82 (21.4%). Moreover, there were statistically significant differences among respondents who reported practicing SM based on income and knowledge about appropriate SMP.Conclusion and recommendationSelf-medication was practiced with a range of drugs from the conventional paracetamol and NSAIDs to antimicrobials. Being that the practice of SM is inevitable, health authorities and professionals are highly demanded to educate the public not only on the advantages and disadvantages of SM but on its proper use.

Perceptions and practices of self-medication among undergraduate medical students at Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi, India

Background: Self-medication practice is widespread in many countries and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern. It assumes a special significance among medical students as they are exposed to knowledge about diseases and drugs. To assess practice and perception of self-medication among undergraduate medical students.Methods: It is a descriptive study in which study population was comprised of 2nd year undergraduate medical students of Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. Total 134 students were included in the study. Written informed consent was obtained from each volunteer prior to the study. Students were given a questionnaire that included both open and close ended questions about self-medication practice. Data was analysed and presented as counts and percentages.Results: It was found that 72 (54%) students practiced self-medication. The principal morbidity for seeking self-medication was cold and cough as reported by 70 (53%) students. Antibiotics were most commonly self-medicated as reported by 55 (36%) students. Only 34 (25%) students opined that self-medication is part of self-care.Conclusions: Self-medication is widely practiced among under­ graduate medical students. In this situation, we should educate the students about advantages and disadvantages of self-medication.

Assessment and Evaluation of the Problem of Self-Medication among First Year Medical Students of Skims Medical College, Bemina

BACKGROUND:Self-medication is a state when a person uses a substance to self-administer treatment for physical or mental ailments. There are some drugs in the market that one can buy without a prescription. These are safe and effective when taken as per the directions on the label and as directed by the General Practioner.The most widely self-medicated substances are these over-the-counter drugs.The Self medication is quite common practice in general and particularly among medical students. However self-medication can be quite harmful as well . AIM : To assess and evaluate the problem of self-medications among the medical students of first professional MBBS in SKIMS Medical College ,Bemina,Srinagar. SUBJECTS AND METHODS : This is a questionnaire-based, descriptive study. A prevalidated questionnaire was prepared and each student was asked to fill up the Performa and then the data was analyzed.A total of 100 First year medical students of SKIMS medical college participated in the study after taking proper verbal consent. RESULTS:Out of the 100 respondents, 50 (50%) were males and 50 ( 50 %) were females . The age group affected was 12-19 years. 74% of students practiced Self medication and the source of medication was local chemist (52%) or from drug pharmacy (22%).55% of the affected students are aware of side –effects of self medication as most of them read the leaflet before taking medicine (67%). However, 72% of the affected students take advice from others before taking the medicine.The reason for self medication by medical students is due to mild illness (43% cases ) and past experience (27% cases ) and the students found selfmedication providing quick relief in common illnesses. Headache (66%) followed by common cold (30%) , sore throat (25%) , fever (23%) Acidity (22%) etc were the most common symptoms for which self medication was taken.Among drugs Paracetamol (58%) followed by anti-cold(23%),antibiotics(22%), cough syrup (21%) , antacids(20%) were the main self medicated medicines.Most common age of students for starting self-medication were 16 years(26%) followed by 15 years(21%) ,18 years(12%)etc. Only 15% of the students have some knowledge about trade name , course and dosage of drugs.Only 31% of students are aware about completing full course of antibiotic. About 47% students had a view that they are influenced by medical knowledge for self –medication.The Students' knowledge about the benefits and risks of self-medication was adequate although it was relatively poor so far as adverse effects of overall drugs were concerned(43%). Important disadvantages of self-medication mentioned were the risk of using inappropriate drugs ,dosage, course and adverse effects of drugs. CONCLUSION:self-medication seen in present study among the first year medical students is about (74 %) and is more or less comparable to studies from other parts of the world. The result emphasizes the amount of problem in the young medical students about self-medication and lack of awareness about dosage, course of drugs & side effects. Hence more strict regulations are needed to avoid more healthcare problems and have a responsible pattern of self-medication.

The Survey of Knowledge about OTC Drugs among Pharmacy Background and Non-Pharmacy Community

Over the counter (OTC) medicines are the drugs that can be sold without the prescription of a registered medical practitioner to the consumer. In India, over the counter medicines includes analgesics, nutrients, cough and cold and Ayurveda preparations. Unregulated or unrestricted availability of OTC drugs in the market increases the risk of drug resistance adverse drug reaction and drug interactions. OTC medicines are used as self-medication by students for conditions like fever, pain and cold. Awareness regarding OTC drugs will help to lead better medical practices and will prevent any untoward medical occurrence. This paper assesses the knowledge, attitude, practices regarding over the counter medications among Pharmacy background students and common non- Pharma people. Pre-validated questionnaire was used after obtaining informed consent. Analysis was done using MS Excel office. Analgesics, anti-pyretic, Anti- allergic drugs were the most commonly used OTC drugs for cough, common cold and fever by the people. Most of the Pharmacy background students were aware about over the counter medicines but their knowledge regarding OTC medications was poor. The present studies indicate that over the counter drugs are widely practiced, therefore it is necessary to create awareness and educate people regarding advantages and disadvantages of self-medication. Hence, our study appreciates the need of conducting survey based studies with the objective of evaluating the knowledge, attitude and practices of self-medication involving wider section of medical professions.

A comparative study of knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among medical and para medical students in a medical college, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India

Background: Self-medication is defined as use of medicines without a doctor’s prescription and is frequently practiced among students in professional colleges. The purpose of this study was to compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among second year medical and paramedical students in K. S Hegde Medical Academy, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India. Methods: A prospective, observational, questionnaire based study conducted where two groups of students, Medical and Paramedical were interviewed with a prevalidated questionnaire. Demographic data and questions regarding knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication were included. Details and purpose of the study was explained to the students. The collected data was analysed statistically and the comparison between the two groups was done. Results: Total 247 students were involved in the study, group I consisting of 135 medical students and group II consisting of 112 paramedical students. All the students have practiced self-medication, however only 47.3% students agree with the practice. Accordingly, there are significant differences among the two groups in terms of reasons to choose self-medication and awareness about generic and brand names of drugs. Knowledge and practice about use of a particular drug for a particular condition was not balanced among the two groups. Conclusions: Self-medication is a common form of health care with potential benefits and hazards. Hence, it is very important to increase the awareness about the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication in medical college students to improve their knowledge, attitudes and practices of self-medication and eventually to increase the awareness in the society.

Assessment of self-medication among dental students in Pune city, Maharashtra: A cross-sectional survey

Introduction: In the recent years, there has been an increasing trend in self-medication with nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs available in pharmacies and retail outlets. There are both advantages and disadvantages of self-medication. Data pertaining to the prevalence of self-medication among dental students in India is scarce. Aim: To determine the level of self-medication among the dental students. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on 548 dental students from I BDS to IV BDS, interns, and postgraduate students, in classroom setting in census type, hand delivery of questionnaires was done. Out of that, 494 questionnaires were returned duly filled and analyzed. Data analysis were done using SPSS software (v 22.0, IBM). Results: A total of 40.9% of respondents indulged in self-medication. Both male and female dental students equally had a habit of taking medicines on their own. The most common drugs used for self-medication were antipyretics (46.56%), followed by analgesics (40.08%), and cough syrups (18.02%). Cold (19.43%) was the major indication for self-medication, followed by (18.02%) a cough, and (16.19%) was a fever. Most common reason not to see a doctor was that there is no need to see a doctor because of a simple disease (31.58%) followed by the need for a quick relief (20.45%). The predominant guiding sources of information for students was media (magazines and internet) (38.06%) and books (39.88%). Conclusion: The majority of students indulged in the practice of self-medication though they had poor knowledge of the benefits and risks.