Prevalence Of Self-medication Research Articles

Influence of Medical Education on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self-Medication among Medical Students

Self-medication (SM) is the use of over-the-counter medication to treat self-diagnosed symptoms or disorders, or the continuation and reuse of prescribed medications for recurrent diseases without consulting a physician. Self-medication is very common practice now a days. Medical students are exposed to knowledge about diseases and drugs, which makes SM easier for them. Primary aim of this survey is to study the influence of medical education on knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication among medical students. Secondary aim is to evaluate the factors associated with self-medication. A cross sectional, questionnaire based analytical study was carried out in GCS medical college, Ahmedabad from November 2022 to May 2023. Data from 350 students were collected and analysed by using Microsoft Excel version 2019. Out of 350, 132 were from phase I, 80 were from phase II, 77 were from phase III and 61 were from phase IV. From phase I to phase IV, 75.7%, 85.8%, 82.3% and 87.4% students were having knowledge about SM respectively. 87.6% in phase I, 70% in phase II, 73.3% in phase III and 70.4% students in phase IV believed that the easy access to health care facility is the main reason for practicing the SM in medical students. The prevalence of SM was 23% in phase I, 71.25% in phase II, 76% in phase III and 83% in phase IV. The knowledge and practice of SM were more among phase I students compared to those in phase IV students. Keywords: Knowledge, Medical students, Self-medication

Research on current issues of self-medication among young people

The aim of the work is to determine the prevalence of self-medication among young people and their attitude to it, with the further development of recommendations for pharmacists regarding the prevention of negative consequences of self-medication and the improvement of pharmaceutical assistance (educational activities) in matters of responsible self-medication. Materials and methods. The work used methods of information search, survey, critical analysis, generalization, and interpretation of results. The survey took place online from January to May 2024, using the developed questionnaire (the electronic version was created using Google Forms). A total of 207 questionnaires were received from people aged 20–25. Results. Mostly, it is difficult for young people to determine their attitude toward self-medication. During treatment, a large number of research participants use the advice of doctors and pharmacists. 75.8 % of respondents always study the instructions for the medical use of drugs before using them. Basically, young people do not increase the dose of drugs arbitrarily to speed up their recovery. Almost half of them do not change the prescribed medications by the doctor to cheaper analogs. According to the research participants, half of them consider an adequate amount of drugs in the form of two names, and this is confirmed by the fact that 83.6 % of them had cases of simultaneous administration of more than one drug. After undergoing self-treatment, 75.8 % of respondents consider it not always practical, among which 13.5 % indicate that it was necessary to consult a doctor. Conclusions. The prevalence and attitude toward self-medication among young people were studied. The main reasons for self-medication are the difficulty of getting to a doctor’s appointment and lack of time, as well as the reduction of disease symptoms after self-diagnosis and the use of drugs and preventive measures. It should be noted, that 23.2 % of young people nevertheless turned to a doctor after receiving negative manifestations of self-medication, and half of the respondents shared their experience of self-medication. The obtained information can be useful for pharmacy institutions, which can use it to create a comprehensive model of a program for the prevention of negative consequences of self-medication, especially among young people, and increase patients’ commitment to the pharmaceutical enterprise.

Prevalence and pattern of self-medication with antibiotics among residents of Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria: a call for action

Background: Antibiotic self-medication occurs worldwide, and it is a major driver of antibiotic misuse and antimicrobial resistance. In developing countries like Nigeria, antibiotics are frequently sold as over-the-counter medications. There is a need to explore this pattern, aiding stakeholders in informed decision-making. We assessed the prevalence and pattern of antibiotic self-medication among the residents of Abia State. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among eligible adults in the State with respondents selected using the multistage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the respondents. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26 and the level of significance was set at 5%. Results: A total of 1,491 respondents were surveyed. The mean age was 34.7±13.1 years and females constituted 55.7%. The overall prevalence of antibiotic self-medication was 46.5% (95%CI: 43.9-49.1). The majority of the respondents took self-medication for cough (48.6%) and ampicillin/cloxacillin was the major antibiotic used (30.1%). The reason for antibiotic self-medication mostly reported was the perception of minor illness (62.7%). Most (52.4%) of the respondents got the antibiotics from pharmacies without prescriptions. The predictors of antibiotic self-medication included residence (aOR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.12-5.30), retention of previous prescriptions (aOR=10.98, 95% CI: 4.40-27.47), storage of leftover antibiotics (aOR=4.13, 95% CI: 1.79-9.54) and perceived susceptibility of antibiotic self-medication (aOR=4.96, 95% CI: 1.71-14.39). Conclusions: Close to half of the residents practiced antibiotic self-medication with its pattern identified. We recommend tailored strategies including appropriate health education and enforcement of regulatory policies to promote community antibiotic stewardship.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements among non-healthcare college students in Chitradurga

Background: The market for OTC drugs and dietary supplements is rapidly growing. However, there exists a lack of adequate awareness among the general public regarding the advantages and potential drawbacks associated with these products, particularly among the younger generation, who heavily rely on the internet for information. Therefore, this study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of college students regarding OTC drugs and dietary supplements, including prevalence and associated factors. Methods: A prospective interventional study with 306 participants was conducted. Data were collected using a self-designed and pre-validated questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Descriptive and inferential (T-test) statistics were use. Results: The prevalence of usage of OTC drugs and DSs was found to be 98.4% and 61.4% respectively. Easy accessibility (42.2%), safe and well tolerable (32.5%) were the main factors that influenced them to turn to SM with OTC drugs. The respondent’s preference for DSs was primarily driven by their desire to maintain good health (33.6%). Internet (22.2%) and healthcare professionals (21.9%) were the two most reported sources that students relied on to obtain information about DSs. The result revealed poor knowledge and a positive attitude towards OTC drugs and DSs among all participants. Conclusions: A high prevalence of self-medication with OTC drugs and dietary supplements use was highlighted. Notable issues and improper practices were recognized. The findings indicate a need for education to enhance knowledge about OTC drugs and DSs and to encourage safe practices.

Prevalence and associated factors of self-medication among pregnant women in Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia.

Self-medication is a widespread practice among pregnant women worldwide, with 44.55% practicing it. However, it may lead to incorrect diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and failure to recognize contraindications. The adverse effects of self-medication are often unknown, and they pose potential risks to maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to address the gap in research on the prevalence and associated factors of self-medication among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia, and to promote effective strategies and interventions. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 pregnant women in Sodo Town from April to June 2021. Participants were enrolled using a two-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. The association between the outcome and independent variables was assessed through bivariate logistic regression analysis. Additionally, multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out, including variables with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) accompanied by a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value of less than 0.05, which was considered statistically significant. In this study, pregnant women aged 18-39 years participated with a 100% response rate. The study found that the prevalence of self-medication during pregnancy was 20.5%, with 8.2% using herbal medicine and 12.3% using conventional medicine. A history of self-medication and first-and second-trimester pregnancy were significantly associated with self-medication. A history of self-medication (AOR = 6.31, 95% CI: 4.89, 9.91) and being in the first trimester of pregnancy (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.63, 7.38) or second trimester of pregnancy (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.08) were associated with a higher likelihood of self-medication. The study found that 20.5% of pregnant women engaged in self-medication. It also identified that a previous history of self-medication and gestational age were factors associated with self-medication. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational programs and policy interventions to mitigate the risks associated with self-medication during pregnancy, particularly in the early stages of gestation.

Prevalence and Determinants of Self-Medication Among Pregnant Women at an Antenatal Clinic at Soba Teaching Hospital, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND Rates of self-medication among pregnant women are high, due to the promotion of herbal and dietary supplements and lack of awareness of possible adverse effects. This study evaluated self-medication in pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic at Soba Teaching Hospital, Sudan. MATERIAL AND METHODS A quantitative study was conducted using a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, which consisted of 25 questions divided into 4 sections: demographic and obstetric; self-medication source, recommendations, and conditions; most commonly used medications and herbal medicine; reasons for self-medications. A total of 230 pregnant women were included in the study. The chi-square test was used to test associations between variables and the binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between self-medication practice and explanatory variables. A P value of <0.05 was deemed significant in the final model. RESULTS Of the 230 pregnant women interviewed, 67% were multigravida, 184 (80%) practiced self-medication, 45.6% used pharmaceutical products, commonly analgesics (32.5%), and 21.9% used herbal remedies, including peppermint (19.4%) and citrus fruits (17.5%). Self-medication was used for nausea (49.5%) and heartburn (46.2%). Reasons for self-medication included belief in safety (40%) and the expense of physician fees (28.1%). Socio-demographic characteristics and the prevalence of self-medication in pregnant women showed no significant associations. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study showed that the prevalence of self-medication reported by pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Sudan was high and included approved drugs and herbal medicines, mainly from pharmacies, and was driven by the perception that all medications supplied by pharmacies were safe.

Self-medication of the pediatric population by parents in Morocco: Survey in the Midelt region

Self-medication, the practice of administering medications without a medical prescription, has become a ubiquitous reality in many homes. Although often seen as a practical solution to alleviate minor ailments, it also raises major concerns, particularly when it involves children. Indeed, self-medication among children by their parents is a complex phenomenon, influenced by various social, cultural and economic factors. The main objective of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication of the pediatric population by parents in the Midelt region and to identify its determinants. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted through a questionnaire with 127 parents of children under 12 years old visiting community pharmacies in the region, between May 1 and October 31, 2022. The prevalence of self-medication was 92.9%, the majority of parents resorted to self-medication of their children for benign pathologies; transient fever, minimal pain and nasopharyngitis. This self-medication is done very early, between 6 months and 2 years. In all, 41.5% of parents used age as a criterion to determine the dose, 49.2% exchanged the dose measurement system between two medications, 76.3% used drug combinations for self-medication, antipyretic analgesics and antibiotics are the therapeutic classes most used in self-medication, 42.2% use the syrup or oral suspension form when self-medicating their children and 64% stated that the pharmacist is their source of information relating to medications. This research found widespread use of self-medication among children by their parents, particularly among those with secondary education living in urban area. These findings underline the need to develop a therapeutic education program intended for families, in collaboration with community pharmacists and various health professionals. The aim is to strengthen the safety of children by encouraging more responsible medical practices within homes.

A STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF SELF MEDICATION PATTERN FOR PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL AND DENTAL STUDENTS IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN TELANGANA

Objective: To study the prevalence of self-medication by using over-the-counter drugs and non-pharmacological methods for primary dysmenorrhoea. Methods: A Cross-sectional descriptive study using a self-developed and structured questionnaire as a tool was conducted among medical and dental students with dysmenorrhoea and in the age group of 18-22 y. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-Square test. Results: Out of 203 respondents, 30% were self-medicated by using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and 70% have treated themselves by non-pharmacological methods like taking rest and applying hot fomentation on the abdomen. Among the OTC, 56% of them used a single drug and 44% used a combination of drugs. The most commonly used single drug was mefenamic acid and the most commonly used combination of drugs was mefenamic acid+dicyclomine hydrochloride. Out of those respondents taking OTC only 5% sought gynaecologist advice. A significant number of students were taking rest [Chi-square value = 66.84 p&lt;0.01 highly significant], losing attendance in their academics. Conclusion: Primary Dysmenorrhoea (PD) affects young girls irrespective of the regularity of cycles. The prevailing self-medication pattern is inappropriate; a substantial proportion of girls have inadequate knowledge regarding treatment and the need for gynecologist consultation.

Prevalence of self-medication practices with antibiotics and associated factors among students in five colleges in Eritrea: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDespite their significant contribution to reducing mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases, antibiotics face challenges due to their inappropriate use, one of which is self-medication. This study assessed the prevalence of|| self-medication with antibiotics among Eritrean college students and its associated factors.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among students from five colleges from September 2019 to February 2020. Participants were selected through simple random sampling, and each participant completed a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotics, and self-medication practices. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with self-medication with antibiotics.ResultsThe study distributed 380 questionnaires, with 375 returned, yielding a response rate of 98.68%. Findings revealed that 80.3% of participants were familiar with antibiotics. Additionally, 18.8% agreed with non-prescription antibiotic use for simple ailments. Of the 252 respondents who answered, 67.1% reported self-medication with antibiotics. Within the preceding six months, the prevalence of such self-medication was 34.3%. Factors associated with self-medication included college affiliation, with participants from the College of Science (COS) exhibiting lower odds (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.91, p = 0.03) compared to the College of Business and Social Sciences (CBSS) students. Those living in dormitories had 2.4 times higher odds (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.7–5.02, p = 0.017) to self-medicate compared to those living with family. Moreover, individuals unaware of antibiotic resistance had higher odds (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.24–4.7, p = 0.009) of self-medication. Attitude score was also significantly associated with self-medication (AOR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.8–0.98, p = 0.027).ConclusionsThese results highlight the necessity for tailored educational programs to advocate for appropriate antibiotic utilization and mitigate the prevalent misuse of antibiotics among college students. Initiatives focused on increasing knowledge about the dangers linked with self-medication and advocating for conscientious antibiotic usage are essential in combating the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance and safeguarding public health.

Prevalence of antibiotic self-medication and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance among community members in Neno District rural Malawi: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesDespite global efforts to address antibiotic self-medication, it is still significantly prevalent. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic self-medication and assess knowledge of antibiotic resistance among community members in Neno District, rural Malawi. MethodsA cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted from September to November 2023, using simple random sampling across 169 villages. Participants from two households per village were surveyed using a “drug bag” method, focusing on those who had taken antibiotics within the preceding 6 months. In addition, drug retailers were selected via snowball sampling for interviews. ResultsOf the 531 participants and 39 drug retailers, 71.1% reported antibiotic use, with 69.5% self-medicating in the past 6 months, with convenience (31.5%) and confidence (26.7%) being the reasons. Common symptoms prompting self-medication included cough (29.9%), sore throat (28.6%), and aches and pain (28.6%). Amoxicillin (61.1%) and cotrimoxazole (29.6%) were the most used antibiotics. More than half (53.1%) reused leftover antibiotics from health facilities, with employed participants significantly more likely to self-medicate. Awareness of antibiotic resistance was low (16.1%), mainly learned from hospitals. Unlawful antibiotic sales by drug retailers (46.2%) were noted. ConclusionsThe study highlights the urgent need for government-led efforts to regulate antibiotic use and increase public awareness to mitigate the impact on public health.

Exploring self-medication patterns among students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A comparative analysis between medical and non-medical disciplines.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication among students with medical and non-medical backgrounds in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Medical and Non-medical Universities of Peshawar. Period: May to October 2022. Methods: For this comparative analysis, sample size was calculated based on the formula of Cochran, taking a 95% confidence level with 5% precision. The sampling was conducted using a non-probability convenience approach. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with the help of SPSS v.25. Results: A study sample of 427 participants with a 95% response yielded 212 medical students and 215 non-medical students. The prevalence of self-medication among medical and non-medical students was 35.36% and 39.35%, respectively. The occurrence of self-medication was reported as 7% daily, 11% weekly, 11% fortnightly, and 71% monthly. Among the reasons for self-medication, headache was the most common (49.65%), followed by cough/sore throat/cold (31.85%), fever (26.46%), generalized body aches (17.56%), heartburn/indigestion (14.75%), nausea/vomiting (9.36%), constipation (4.91%), anxiety/depression (4.68%), and insomnia (3.51%), while 8.89% constitutes other factors like allergies, skin rashes, and weight loss. The main reason for self-medication was the mild nature of the illness, which accounted for 31.85% of cases. Conclusion: The study indicated a considerable number of student population involved in self-medication practices. The prevalence of this behavior is slightly more common among non-medical students than medical students. Various factors contribute to self-medication ranging from physical symptoms to mental health issues.

Understanding Self-medication Trends in First-year Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Objectives: The objective is to explore self-medication perceptions and practices among 1st year undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1st-year medical students in a private college in North Karnataka. A prevalidated questionnaire assessing self-medication perceptions and practices was administered to 176 participants through Google Forms. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Nearly half of our study participants (52.3%) reported engaging in self-medication. The common sources of information included previous experience/prescriptions (43.8%) and advice from parents/friends (41.5%). Reasons for self-medication included perceiving the illness as nonsevere (82.4%) and time-saving (10.8%). The most common conditions prompting self-medication were the common cold (29%), fever (25.6%), and pain (18.8%). Analgesics (28.4%) and antipyretics (27.3%) were the most commonly used drug classes. Conclusion: The relatively lower prevalence of self-medication among 1st-year medical students in this study may be attributed to factors such as the targeted focus on this specific demographic, limited availability of self-medication resources in hostels, and foundational training emphasizing evidence-based medicine principles. However, concerns arise regarding the use of alternative medicine systems like Ayurveda, potentially leading to herb–drug interactions. To address these issues, structured educational initiatives, regulatory enforcement, and improved access to health-care consultations are crucial for promoting rational medication use and mitigating self-medication risks among medical students.

Self-medication practices among university students at a public university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Self-medication is a concern at the global level. It comes with complications and different health issues. This study measures the prevalence, influential factors, and reasons behind self-medication. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. The prevalence and influential factors were measured between September and November 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio (R version 4.3.1). We used frequencies and percentages to present categorical variables. Using a convenient sampling technique. Factors associated with using self-medication and the differences between students of the medical college and their non-medical counterparts were assessed using Pearson's Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. We initially received 410 responses on the online platform. However, we excluded seven responses from those who disagreed to participate and 12 from participants outside Riyadh. The majority of the participants were female (67.5%). Three hundred nineteen (319) participants indicated that they had ever used self-medications, accounting for a prevalence of 81.6%. Regarding the reasons for self-medication, the most frequently cited factors were 'previous experience' (66.5%) and 'time-saving' (50.2%). Additionally, the primary source of drug information utilized for self-medication practices was predominantly from 'relatives/friends' (62.4%) and 'pharmacologists' (48.0%). Medications were primarily used for headache (76.8%), fever (48.6%), and pain (47.3%). The most commonly used classes of drugs used for self-medication were painkillers (84.0%), vitamins (42.0%), and eye drops (32.9%). The results showed that the prevalence of self-medication is high in the surveyed population. There has been an association between monthly income and the prevalence of self-medication. As pharmacists are the second most common source of drug information, it is essential to increase responsibility and avoid marketing and personal benefiting behavior as they are considered a reliable source of information in the population. Healthcare organizers can utilize our study to educate people about the adverse effects of self-medication.

PREVALENCE OF SELF MEDICATION AMONG MBBS STUDENTS OF SHEIKH ZAYED MEDICAL COLLEGE, RAHIM YAR KHAN

Background: The prevalence of self-medication among medical students due to the virtue of their studying medicine is a significant issue. It can lead to various challenges including inappropriate symptom management and developing resistance to certain pharmaceutical drugs. Objective: The objective of this research was to determine the frequency of selfmedication among MBBS students of Sheikh Zayed Medical College Rahim Yar Khan. Methodology: The study design for this research was Cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan. Study subjects were five batches of MBBS within the age group of 19-25 and the duration was between August 15, 2023 to September 15, 2023. A sample size of 130 students were included in the study. Before the study, consent was taken from all subjects. The questionnaire was shared via WhatsApp groups to collect information with complete anonymity. The variables included age, gender, locality and questions were: involvement in self medication practice, frequency in the past one year, reasons, source of advice, illness, complaints for medication, adverse effects, and if they had stopped it and consulted a doctor. This data was entered on SPSS and results were obtained in textural, graphical and tabular form. Results: The study showed that among 130 medical students, 107 (82.3%) had self-medicated. 65.4% did it because it was convenient. The mean age was 21.29. The most common reason was headache (63.6%) and second most prevalent reason was sore throat (59.8%). Most students (69.2%) selected the medicine based on their own experience and 58.9% did on the basis of a previous prescription. Over half of the subjects (57%) stopped using the medication once the symptoms were alleviated. Most students (72%) never had any adverse effects from self-medication. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication in students at Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan is high as 82.3% of students have self-medicated. The common reasons for self-medication are headache and sore throat. Almost one-half of students stopped using the medication with alleviation of symptoms. Most students never had any adverse effects from self-medication

Self-Medication “Boon or Bane!!”: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Undergraduate Medical Students

Background: Self-medication can be a boon as well as curse to mankind whose proper application can reduce the unnecessary pressure on the health care system. The focus of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and self-medication practices among undergraduate (UG) medical students, who are more likely to self-medicate themselves due to their limited knowledge and easy drug availability. Methods: The study involved distributing questionnaires among undergraduate medical students at Government Medical College, using a cross-sectional approach. The data was collected in June 2022, with 360 responses analyzed. The questionnaire, consisting of 17 close-ended questions, included demographics, prevalence, indications for self-medication, commonly self-medicated drugs, patterns of self-medication, and knowledge about safety and consequences. Results: 327 students willingly participated in the study of which 164 were females and 163 were males belonging to the age group of 18-25 years. The prevalence of self-medication was found to be 75.5%. Most common indication was cold, cough &amp; sore throat (70.4%) followed by headache (66%). Antipyretics (71.2%) and analgesics (62.3%) were most commonly used class of drugs. 84.5% students are aware about adverse effects of drugs. 74% opine that self-medication is not a good practice. Conclusion: Due to rising incidence of self-medication amongst the undergraduate medical students there is an increased risk of adverse drug effects. Thus, it is crucial to undertake measures that emphasize education and awareness, aiming to discourage self-medication among them.

Self-Medication Practice and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Residing in Kattankulathur Block of Chengalpattu District in Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Self-medication is a prevalent phenomenon worldwide. The self-medication practiced by pregnant women, particularly during the first trimester, can have significant adverse consequences for both the developing fetus and the mother. Although self-medication during pregnancy has the potential to cause adverse effects, there is less information regarding the consequences among pregnant women in low-middle-income countries, such as India. Multiple factors influence the self-treatment pattern and exhibit variation across different societies. This study assessed the self-medication practices (SMPs) of pregnant women living in the Kattankulathur block of Tamil Nadu and identified the socio-demographic factors that are associated with this practice. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 403 pregnant women living in Kattankulathur block of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India. The pregnant women who accessed antenatal care in the health center under Kattankulathur block were included in the study. The data were gathered via in-person interviews with specifically chosen pregnant women via a semi-structured questionnaire administered by the main researcher. The interview schedule comprised three components. The first section encompasses demographic details, the second part includes parity and stage of the current pregnancy, and the third part covers SMPs. Results The study encompassed 403 participants, with a mean age of 27.34 years. Self-medication was reported by 216 participants, which accounted for 53.6% of the sample. Out of the 216 individuals who reported SMPs, 52.8% (114 participants) were primiparous and 47.2% (102 participants) were multiparous, depending on the distribution based on parity. Approximately 32.9% of the participants(71 individuals) were in the first trimester. The second trimester accounted for 35.6% of the participants(77 individuals).Out of the total participants, the largest category comprises professionals, with 167 individuals, accounting for 41.4% of the total. Based on the modified BG Prasad scale, the middle class was the most common group, accounting for 46.4% (187 participants). Approximately 30.6% of the respondents (66 participants) indicated that the rates charged for doctor consultations were huge. Approximately 34.7% of the respondents(75 participants) cited the convenient accessibility of drugs as a contributing factor. The most prevalent problem addressed was headaches, which made up 36.57% (79 participants). Allopathic medicines were chosen by the majority, including 69.0% (149 participants), whereas Ayurvedic medicines were chosen by 22.2% (48 people). The primary sources of medications were expired prescriptions from physicians (32.4%, 70 participants) and suggestions provided by pharmacists (31.0%, 67 participants). Pregnant women who have a higher socioeconomic status, higher academic achievement, and a greater number of family members are engaging in self-medication more frequently. Conclusion The prevalence of self-medication among pregnant women in this study was significantly higher compared to the other literature in India. This issue poses a public health concern that has the potential to negatively impact the well-being of both mothers and their unborn children. It is imperative to establish stringent regulations and oversight to ensure responsible SMPs, with the active participation of healthcare professionals and lawmakers.

Self-medication, self-assessment and knowledge of dental medicine students about analgesics.

The objective of this study was to investigate the rate of self-medication among dental students and any differences and/or associations between self-medication, self-assessment and knowledge among students in later years of the same study. The study was conducted between April and July 2020 at the School of Dental medicine, University of Zagreb. All students were given access to an online survey to learn more about their self-medication habits, pharmacological knowledge and analgesic self-assessment. The experimental research group consisted of 120 third- to sixth-year students (n = 120), while the control group consisted of 30 first- and second-year students who had not taken any pharmacology courses. Even 110 students (91.67%) reported self-medication, with ibuprofen being the most prevalent analgesic (70%). Fifth-year students showed a statistically significant difference in all knowledge-related questions compared to third- and fourth-year students (p=0.0015 and p=0.002, respectively). In addition, in the self-assessment statements across all study years, a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was also noticed. The feeling of willingness to prescribe analgesics behaved according to the increasing pattern over the years of study. A statistically significant difference in self-medication, self-assessment and knowledge among dental students over the years, with the alarmingly high prevalence of self-medication among them, was observed. Because effective dental practice requires a thorough knowledge of pharmaceuticals, it is vital to continually expand and refine students' understanding of the use of analgesics in dentistry throughout their undergraduate studies. Key words:Analgesics, Self Medication, Self-Assessment, Knowledge, Dentistry, Students.

Knowledge and Attitude of Congolese Women of Childbearing Age Regarding the Risks and Consequences of Self-Medication: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Regulations on the sell and use of medicines in the Democratic Republic of Congo are at a rudimentary level. Self-medication is frequently used and it practice in all country, and in all social categories. It is the first therapeutic remedy used by the Congolese, before going to a hospital institution, if and only if the disease persists or worsens. The concern lies in the practice of self-medication among women of childbearing age. Hence the objective of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Congolese women of childbearing age regarding the risks and consequences of self-medication. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, with an analytical aim, carried out among women of childbearing age, in Kinshasa town, during the period from March 15 to November 30, 2022. The selection of participants was made in the 4 districts of the Town, by taking women who met our criteria of selection. Study parameters included sociodemographics, prevalence, and determinants of self-medication. Results: In total, 402 subjects have been enroled (mean age 27.3 ±8.4), women in the age group of 25-34 years (53.5%), singles (56.0%), with a high level of education (76.4%) and having a profession (59.2%). The majority of women knew the person authorized to prescribe the medications (78.6%), knew of the existence of self-medication (77.4%), and even practiced it (76.4%); but the majority (78.1%) were unaware of the dangers resulting from the practice of self-medication. The majority of them (64.4%) are victims of complications from self-medication. Civil status and religion remain therisk factors independently associated withself-medication. Conclusion: The Congolese woman of childbearing age, single and with a high level of education, knows the role of the Doctor in medical prescription, knows the existence and practice of self-medication, while ignoring the dangers that can result from it, despite She herself is a victim of complications from self-medication. This practice had as risk factors, marital status and religion.

Self-medication in medical students in urban India: Exploring the extent of this dangerous practice.

To assess the prevalence of self-medication in urban Indian medical students and explore possible factors associated with this practice. After obtaining institutional ethics approval, 180 medical students from six medical colleges in Mumbai were recruited to participate via social media. They were administered a pre-validated questionnaire that assessed self-medication as a practice, along with the perceived stress scale (PSS-10) online. Anonymity and confidentiality were maintained. The prevalence of self-medication in medical students was found to be 83.9%, with no significant difference between genders or between academic years of medical education. The most used source of information for self-medicating was older prescriptions, and for procuring drugs was pharmacist stores. Common cold was the most cited indication. Anti-pyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs were the most commonly self-medicated drugs. It was found that 73.3% of medical students had self-medicated with non-over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. It was observed that 6.1% of medical students had experienced adverse drug reactions, and alarmingly, 0.6% of medical students continued self-medicating despite experiencing adverse drug reactions. Most of the study participants admitted to having practised self-medication. It was alarming to find that an appreciable fraction of the study population had uncontrolled access to non-OTC drugs. Thus, there needs to be a greater emphasis on the education of medical students with respect to the problems encountered by self-medicating and a need to enforce stricter regulations, as well as to establish a more watertight monitoring system, to curb this hazardous practice.

Assessment of self-medication practices and safety profile of medicines utilisation among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Freetown, Sierra Leone: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

Despite the potential foetal and maternal risks of self-medication, studies on self-medication practice and the safety profile of medicines used during pregnancy are scarce in our setting. This study determined the self-medication practice and safety profile of medicines used among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted in face-to-face interviews among 345 pregnant women at three hospitals in Sierra Leone. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression to determine the prevalence and associated factors of self-medication. A total of 345 pregnant women participated in the study. The prevalence of self-medication prevalence among pregnant women with conventional and/or herbal medicine was 132 (38.3%). Also, 93 (75%) of the conventional medicines (CMs) were categorised as probably safe, of which paracetamol 36 (29.0%) was commonly used, followed by amoxicillin 23 (18.5%) and antimalarials 22 (17.7%) for common illnesses such as headache 30 (25.4%), urinary tract infection 23 (19.4%) and malaria 22 (18.6%). The most common reason for self-medication was previous experience with the disease 24 (27.3%). Luffa acutangula 19 (30.2%) was the most used herbal medicine (HM), and Oedema 30 (47.6%) was the most reported ailment. Among the HM users, 34 (54.0%) believe they are more effective than CMs. Secondary school education (AOR = 2.128, 95%CI = 1.191-3.804, p = 0.011), tertiary education (AOR = 2.915, 95%CI = 1.104-7.693, p = 0.031), monthly income of greater than NLe 1,000 (AOR = 4.084, 95% CI = 1.269-13.144, p = 0.018), and perceived maternal illness (AOR = 0.367, CI = 0.213-0.632, p = <0.001) were predictors of self-medication. Self-medication practice was highly prevalent and was associated with educational status, monthly income, and perceived maternal illness during pregnancy. Therefore, intervention programmes should be designed and implemented to minimise the practice and risk associated with self-medication among pregnant women.