Drug Self-medication Research Articles

Prevalence and Predictors of Self-Medication with Antifungal Drugs and Herbal Products Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Egypt.

Background and PurposeIrrational use of drugs for self-medication (SM) is a worldwide public health problem which results in treatment failure, economic loss, and increased burden of morbidity and mortality. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore SM with antifungal drugs and herbal products among university students in Egypt.MethodsA cross-sectional sectional study was conducted over 7 months among 403 university students in Egypt. The students were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire through an online Google form. Questionnaire items included socio-demographic characteristics of the students, practice of and attitude towards SM with antifungal drugs, and SM with herbal products.ResultsPrevalence of SM with antifungal drugs among students stood at 38.2%. The main reasons for SM with antifungal drugs were perceiving their health problem as being minimal, followed by having fears of a doctor’s visit. About 73% of the students thought that SM was not a safe practice. Older age (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI= 1.3–1.8), affiliation to a private university (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI= 2.2–6.4), and being a medical student (AOR =2.4, 95% CI= 1.3–4.5) were the significant predictors of SM with antifungal drugs. A high prevalence of SM with herbal products (70.7%) was reported, with most students having used some form of herbal weight loss preparation (64%). Being a Cairo resident (AOR= 2.4, 95% CI =1.5–3.8, P<0.05) and being a medical student (AOR= 2.1, 95% CI =1.3–3.4, P<0.05) were the significant predictors of SM with herbal products.ConclusionIn the current study, SM was common among Egyptian university students. Providing counseling and public health education to university students with regards to SM is crucial. Implementing strict regulations and the full enforcement of excitant laws pertaining to the use of medication supplies is also needed. Herbal products should face the scrutiny of evidence-based medicine. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of SM among university students.

COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY ON PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN S.S LAYOUT, DAVANGERE

Objectives: Self-medication practice is an element of self-care and it is the use of medication without the prescription of health-care professionals. This community-based prospective observational study was undertaken with the aim to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of self-medication practices and to assess the knowledge, attitude, and belief of the subjects toward this practice.&#x0D; Methods: This study was carried out in S.S Layout, Davangere, for a period of 6 months. The data were collected in predesigned validated questionnaire. A total of 400 subjects were participated in the study.&#x0D; Results: Among 400 individuals, 280 subjects were practicing self-medication, and this practices were high among females 174 (62%) than males 106 (38%). The majority of subjects participated in this study were students (36%). The most common indications for self-medication practice were headache (30%) followed by fever (25%) and heartburn (13%). The highly used drug in this practice was acetaminophen (57%). The most commonly used category of drugs for self-medication were analgesics (57%) followed by antacids (17%) and others (anti-hypertensive, anti-diarrheal, anti-pyretic, anti-histamines, and laxative) (13%). The main reasons for self-medication practice were no need to visit the doctor for minor illness (62%), long distance to health center (24%), and inability to pay for health-care cost (6%).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study shows that self-medication is widely practiced among students in our society. There is dire need to make them aware about the pros and cons of self-medication in order to ensure safe usage of drugs. Interventions are required to reduce the frequency of misuse of drugs.

Pattern of self medication among medical students of a private institute in Davangere: A cross-sectional study

Self-medication is a common and regular practice of using medicines without any medical supervision by the people themselves for self-treatment considering it a part of self-care. Self-medication has both positive as well as a negative aspect which may lead to serious chronic ailments, cause resistance to pathogens, delays the symptoms, complicate the cause of the underlying disease and delaying the diagnosis. To assess the prevalence of self-medication among the students in a medical institute in Davangere. 2. To determine the factors associated with self medication among these medical students in Davanagere. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 medical students of SSIMS&amp; RC Davanagere. Data was collected using pre-designed, semi structured questionnaire. The data was entered in MS Excel. Analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Prevalence of self medications among medical students was found to be 41%. Antipyretics were widely used as a drug for self medication. This study reinforces the importance of creating awareness and educating the students regarding the advantages and disadvantages of self medications. Keywords: Self medications; medical students; Davanagere

Evaluation of the severity and self-management practice in primary dysmenorrhea in medical and dental students: A cross-sectional study in a teaching hospital

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is the commonest gynecological problem in females of childbearing age. The severity of dysmenorrhea catalyzed females to use home remedies or self-medication to relieve pain.&#x0D; Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to find out the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and self-management practices in medical and dental students.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Female students who had painful menstrual cycles were included. A self-responding semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information related to demographic, menstrual characteristics and self-management practices. The severity of primary dysmenorrhea was estimated by using the Verbal Multidimensional Scoring System (VMSS). Descriptive statistics were used to present the study findings using SPSS version 11.5.&#x0D; Results: Out of 143 students, mild severity of primary dysmenorrhea was more common 85 (59.4%), followed by moderate 44 (30.8%) and severe 14 (9.8%) dysmenorrhea. Over two-thirds 124 (86.7%) of respondents used home remedies alone or in combination with analgesic drugs 87 (60.8%). Mefenamic acid 44 (50.6%) was the most common self-medicated drug. Among the respondents who practiced self-medication, the majority had used drugs once a day 68 (78.2%), and more than half of them 57 (65.5%) took medication for one day, and 59 (67.8%) had insufficient knowledge about drug dose.&#x0D; Conclusion: Most of the respondents experienced the mild severity of primary dysmenorrhea. Home remedies were the most commonly used methods of self-management. The majority of the respondents did not receive medical consultation, but they were preferred self-medication. Encouragement for medical consultation along with the implementation of educational awareness programs to control morbidity associated with primary dysmenorrhea is recommended.

Self-Medication of Drugs in Nursing Students from Castile and Leon (Spain).

To determine the prevalence of self-medication in nursing students and their related factors, a transversal, descriptive study was performed on a sample of 378 nursing students. A total of 73.8% of the sample declared having used off-prescription drugs during the last month (2.84;2.26–3.58). A total of 28.9% said they did this because they are familiar with the health problem and its pharmacological solution and 25% deemed that it was a mild health problem. Drugs most commonly used off-prescription were analgesics in 88.91% (3.63;2.74–4.80) of occasions. They were mainly recommended by the students’ family (1.31;1.03–1.65) on 58.12% of the cases. Students keep analgesics they take off-prescription in their home first aid kit (4.47;3.28–6.08; p < 0.001). Unlike other studies, 53.2% obtained off-prescription drugs from the home first aid kit (1.13;0.89–1.43; p < 0.001). In addition, they gave advice and recommend drugs they have taken to other people with similar symptoms (1.97;1.59–2.44). A total of 85.72% kept excess drugs after a treatment (6.00;4.50–7.99). Self-medication is related to the storage of unused medicines and giving advice on the use of drugs to other people, among other things. Self-medication of drugs among nursing students is high. Thus, it appears necessary to review the training on rational the use of drugs and responsible self-medication in the discipline’s curriculum.

Assessment of Self-Medication and Disease Awareness about Migraine in Local Community of Multan, Pakistan

Background: Self-Medication and Poor disease awareness of Migraine is the furthermost public well-being concern in many countries, as well as in Pakistan. Thus considering the current epidemiological evidence about that issue, this study aimed to determine the systematic analysis of Self-medication and disease awareness about Migraine in Multan’s Community. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Multan’s Community of about 306 participants. Among them 130 were males and 176 were Females. Statistical analysis was done by using IBM SPSS statistics version 23. And different tests (Pearson’s Chi-Square test, Independent sample t-test as well as Mann-Whitney U test) are being applied. Results: The whole target (n=306) participated in our study. Out of 306 participants, females had the greatest practice of Self-medication (54.90%) than males (42.15%). Also, females have a greater ratio (28.43%) than males (19.93%) for seeking not any help from doctors for migraine’s problems. The Paracetamol drug was being the most self-medicated drug for females (13.07%) than males (12.74%). Conclusion: The results showed a higher prevalence of Self-medication in the Multan community. Findings suggest that there should be educational seminars and efficient Migraine care management plans should be planned for doctors for proper disease awareness and to reduce to self-medication burden for patients.

PROFIL SWAMEDIKASI ANALGETIK PADA MAHASISWA POLITEKNIK INDONUSA SURAKARTA

Self-medication is a community effort to treat symptoms without a doctor's prescription. With self-medication, complaints can be resolved and resolved quickly and effectively. Medicines that are sold freely in kiosks make it easier for people to get drugs to carry out self-medicated actions. The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of using analgesic drugs by self-medication in students of Polytechnic Indonusa Surakarta. This research is a cross sectional approach. Data collection using a questionnaire via google form to 88 respondents. The sampling technique used is random sampling by taking sample members randomly. Quantitative data processing uses Microsoft Office Excel.The results showed that the characteristics of the respondents who participated in this study were mostly women aged 17-25 years from 5 study programs, namely D3 Pharmacy, D3 Mass Communication, D3 Hospitality, D3 Information Management and D3 Automotive Machinery. The most pain complaints experienced by respondents were headache, toothache and menstrual pain. Respondents tended to use 1 type of synthetic drug or traditional / herbal medicine with only 1 type of active ingredient composition and more often mentioned the generic name of the drug when buying the drug. Respondents preferred paracetamol to deal with pain complaints. The place of purchase of self-medicated drugs is more dominant in pharmacies. Most of the reasons for doing self-medication were because of the experience of recovering with the same medicine and the perception that the disease was mild.

Pattern of availability of non-prescribed medicines and their use as self-medication in Gujarat: a house hold survey

Self-medication is widely practiced everywhere in the world. The drug for self medication has proven efficacy and safety for short-term use in minor illnesses but there is the potential for misuse and abuse of them. A cross sectional survey was conducted by visiting 800 houses of Anand district of Gujarat. The details regarding self medication were inquired which include the medical conditions for which they used, availability of Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs), previously prescribed medicines taken as self medication, sources, reference & reasons for self medication. The Knowledge of the study participants regarding Self medication was inquired by revealing the history of illness in past six months. Ethics Committee approval was taken prior to the study. A total of 501 without prescription medicine formulations were found in 245 (30.63%) houses, more in the urban area (38.25%) than the rural (23%). The common conditions for self medication were body ache, arthritis and fever (36.53%). The commonest source was pharmacy stores whereas family, friends or relatives were commonest sources of information for self medication. The Self decision was taken for 32.93% of medicines. Total 43 medicines prescribed earlier were used as self medication for other family member including 12 preparations for pediatric use. Only 126 participants had 222 illness episodes in past six month. Of them 18 study respondents self medicated. Half of the respondents were having the knowledge regarding medicine. There is a need of emphasizing on proper awareness and education related to self-medication. Keywords: Self-medication, Medicines without prescription, Rural, Urban.

Treatment Pattern of dermatophytosis at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary healthcare hospital of Chhattisgarh, Central India

Background: in the recent past dermatophytosis are being highly prevalent, main culprit behind is inappropriate use of antifungal agents and self-medications which is leading to exponential rise in global burden superficial fungal infections, and antifungal drug resistance. Clinician’s management pattern data collection on time to time to have a check on the resistance/sensitivity pattern of the commonly prescribed antifungals in clinical grounds is important. Aims and objectives: The present study was to describe the pattern of antifungal drug prescription and self-medication for common superficial fungal infections of skin in dermatology OPD in tertiary care hospital of Chhattisgarh. Materials and Methods: Current study was a cross sectional unicentric study conducted at Dermatology OPD of Pt J.N.M. Medical College Raipur, the data collection for this observational study was undertaken for a period of six months. All patients attending the dermatology OPD with tinea infections were included in the study. This study was designed to record parameters include information related to demographic, disease profile, medications prescribed, number of drugs, dosage & duration were reported. Self medication pattern was also being observed during this study. Results: A total of 17286 patients attended dermatology OPD and 42% patients were suffering from tinea. The most common fungal infection was Tinea cruris 55.07%, the commonest treatment pattern was Combination of oral T amongst which clotrimazole (67.04%)were the commonest. Commonly prescribed individual antifungal was oral Fluconazole 73.11%. The self-medication prevalence for dermatophytosis was 62.26%. Self-medication drugs were mainly topical (creams) FDC of antifungal and steroids. Around 76% of the self-medication information

Self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic among the adult population in Peru: A cross-sectional survey

Self-medication impacts both negatively and positively the health of people, which has become evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medicated drugs used for respiratory symptoms, as COVID-19 preventive, for its symptoms or once tested positive. To determine the perception of symptom relief and demographic variables that promote self-medication in Peru. We performed a cross-sectional, analytical, multicenter study in 3792 study respondents on the use, the reason for use, and perception of relief after the use of six drugs during the quarantine period. An online questionnaire was developed, pretested and submitted to the general public. Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain factors that influence an individual’s desire to self-medicate, associations were considered significant at p < 0.05 and using region (coast, mountain and jungle) as cluster group. The majority of respondents self-medicated with acetaminophen for respiratory symptoms and mainly because they had a cold or flu. It was observed that all the surveyed drugs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, azithromycin, penicillin, antiretrovirals and hydroxychloroquine) were consumed for various symptoms including: fever, fatigue, cough, sneezing, muscle pain, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache and breathing difficulty. Over 90% of respondents perceived relief of at least one symptom. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older people have a higher frequency of antiretroviral self-medication, respondents who currently have a job had a higher frequency of penicillin self-medication, and that respondents from the Andes consumed less acetaminophen, while the ones from the rainforest consumed it more. There were significant percentages of self-medication, including drugs without sufficient scientific evidence. Age, region where one lived and job status were variables associated with self-medication frequency. Continuous awareness and sensitization about the risks of self-medication are warranted.

Prevalence of Self-Medication during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Peru

Background: Self-medication impacts both negatively and positively the health of people, which has become evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medicated drugs used for respiratory symptoms, as COVID-19 preventive, for its symptoms or once tested positive. To determine the perception of symptom relief and demographic variables that promote self-medication in Peru. Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical, multicenter study in 3792 study respondents on the use, the reason for use, and perception of relief after the use of six drugs during the quarantine period. An online questionnaire was developed, pretested and submitted to the general public. Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain factors that influence an individual’s desire to self-medicate, associations were considered significant at pFindings: The majority of respondents self-medicated with acetaminophen for respiratory symptoms and mainly because they had a cold or flu. It was observed that all the surveyed drugs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, azithromycin, penicillin, antiretrovirals and hydroxychloroquine) were consumed for various symptoms including: fever, fatigue, cough, sneezing, muscle pain, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache and breathing difficulty. Over 90% of respondents perceived relief of at least one symptom. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older people have a higher frequency of antiretroviral self-medication, respondents who currently have a job had a higher frequency of penicillin self-medication, and that respondents from the Andes consumed less acetaminophen, while the ones from the rainforest consumed it more.Interpretation: There were significant percentages of self-medication, including drugs without sufficient scientific evidence. Age, region where one lived and job status were variables associated with self-medication frequency. Continuous awareness and sensitization about the risks of self-medication are warranted.

Prevalence and Predictors of Self-Medication Practices in India: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Self-Medication (SM) is a practice of using medications to treat self-diagnosed symptoms without a legitimate prescription by a health care professional. Alongside posing a burden on a patient, SM practices are associated with certain unfavourable health conditions such as drug-resistance, adverse effects, drug-interactions, including death.Objective To systematically review and quantify the prevalence of SM practices and its associated factors in India.Methods A comprehensive systematic search was performed using scientific databases such as PubMed and Cochrane library for the peer-reviewed research articles that were conducted in India without any language and date restrictions. Studies which were cross-sectional by design and assessing the prevalence and predictors of SM practices in India were considered for the review, and all the relevant articles were screened for their eligibility.Results Of 248 articles, a total of 17 articles comprising of 10,248 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the mean prevalence of SM practices in India was observed to be 53.57%. Familiarity with the medication appears to be a major reason to practice SM (PR: 30.45; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 17.08-43.82; 6 studies), and the practice was noticed more among individuals from a middle-lower class family with a prevalence rate of 26.31 (95%CI: 2.02-50.60; P<0.0001). Minor ailments were the primary reason for practicing SM (PR: 42.46; 95%CI: 21.87-63.06), among which headache was the most commonly reported (PR: 41.53; 95%CI: 18.05-65.02).Conclusion Self-medication practices are quite frequent in India. While NSAIDs and anti-allergens are the most frequently utilized self-medicated drugs used for headache and cold and cough.

Self-medication Practices and Knowledge among Lebanese Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Self-medication (SM), practiced globally, is an important public health problem. This is the first study aiming to determine the prevalence of inappropriate usage of drugs among Lebanese patients, assess their knowledge, and identify predicting factors of potentially inappropriate drug intake. This cross-sectional prospective survey was carried out in five Lebanese governorates. A structured interview was done with patients who visited pharmacies. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate factors associated with SM, which was reported by 79.1% of 930 interviewed cases. The most common symptoms warranting SM were symptoms relating to ear, nose, and throat diseases (99.0%), gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea and vomiting (75.6%), and cold and flu symptoms (60.1%). Age [adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–1.80; p = 0.002] and sex (ORa = 1.60; CI, 1.16–2.21; p = 0.004) significantly increased the odds of SM. Medication classes commonly consumed by respondents for SM included acetaminophen-based analgesics (48.7%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (24.6%). Moreover, 83.7% of respondents thought they were knowledgeable about proper dosing of the self-medicated drug (in fact, only 69.0% had adequate knowledge), and 35.5% thought they knew about side effects (assessment showed only 59.5% of them were right). Our study shows that SM is common among Lebanese adults. Hence, reinforcement of laws is necessary to improve access to adequate health care; efforts are needed to increase patients’ education regarding the health risk related to inappropriate consumption of medication.

A comparative, questionnaire based cross-sectional study on self medication practice among medical and paramedical students at a rural tertiary care teaching hospital

Objective: Self medication is use of medicine to treat self recognized symptoms, a very common practice among students in India. Lack of skill in selecting OTC medicines and habituation may lead to inappropriate self medication. This study was aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice and perception of self medication and identify the frequently used drugs for self medication among university students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire based study, comprising of open and close ended questions was conducted during July- August 2019 among undergraduate university students of Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai. 75 students from medical and 75 students from paramedical streams selected randomly were asked to fill the information regarding self medication in past six months. Results: 80% (n=60) of students from paramedical and 93.3% (n=70) from medical stream have practised self medication. Among them, 80% and 44.3% of students also consumed medicines other than allopathy in each group respectively. NSAIDs are most commonly used drug class in both the groups and 13.85% students experienced adverse effects. There were significant differences among two groups in terms of awareness about antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, drug interactions and adverse drug reactions. Conclusion: Self medication is a frequent practice among university students. Misbelieves, ignorance and lack of knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance and adverse drug reactions are major concern among students practicing self medication. There is need to augment awareness for judicious and rational use of medicine among students. Keywords: Self medication, Antibiotics, University students, Over the counter drugs, Adverse effects.

Recent Social Background and Consumer Views on Over-the-counter Drugs and Self-medication

Recently, because the marked rise in medical expenses in Japan has become a major social problem, self-medication using OTC drugs in cases of minor health problems has attracted increasing attention. When people use OTC drugs for self-medication, they need support and/or advice from pharmacists on their proper use. This paper outlines recent revisions in the legal sales system of OTC drugs, the social background of self-medication, characteristics of OTC drugs and role of the pharmacists in providing consultation on OTC preparations. Next, consumers' views of self-medication and the OTC drug sales system are described based on the results of surveys performed after they attended an educational event on the proper use of OTC drugs. The survey of consumer views on the legal sales system of OTC drugs revealed that they were the most concerned about safety and convenience. From the survey of consumer views on self-medication, a significant percentage of the group who understood the meaning of the term "self-medication" practiced it in cases of minor health problems. Although no significant difference was seen between the groups who understood the term "self-medication" and those who did not in regard to the reading the drug package label and/or insert, a significant difference was found in their understanding of "The System for Sufferers from Adverse Drug Reactions". Therefore, it was clear that the consumers familiar with "self-medication" not only practiced it, but also understood the contents of drug package labels and/or inserts.

Prevalence of self-medication and its pattern in medical students: a cross sectional study from Karnataka

Background: Self-medication is becoming a common type of self-care behavior among the population of many countries. Obtaining and consuming drugs without the advice of physician either for diagnosis, prescription or surveillance is called self-medication. The objectives of the study were to study prevalence and existing pattern of self-medication and its determinants among the medical students.Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 200 medical students by systemic random sampling method using pretested semi-structured proforma. Analysis was done using SPSS and results were presented. Chi square and odds ratio (OR) was used as statistical tool.Results: Out of 200 students, 66.5% students were from 22-24 years of age group (mean age 20.2±1.4 years, p&lt;0.05). Prevalence of self-medication was 93%, of which 53.8% were girls and 46.2% were boys (p&gt;0.05). Majority of the students (95.2%) were self-medicating with allopathy drugs. 51.6% responded that they were getting quick relief with self-medication. 82% were aware about the possible adverse effects (OR 0.5, p&gt;0.05). Self-medication was practiced by 78% students for upper respiratory tract infection, headache (70%), fever (67.7%) and gastrointestinal upset (36%). Majority (83%) students consumed paracetamol tablet for various health related reasons followed by cough syrups (55.3%), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (54.3%), antibiotics (23.1%).Conclusions: Prevalence of self-medication was high in spite of awareness of possible adverse effects amongst students. Also, the knowledge of selection of appropriate drug for self-medication was observed to be poor.

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

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.

Prevalence of Self-medication and its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Nekemte Referral Hospital, Oromia Regional State, West Ethiopia

Background: Self-medication is one element of self-care in which individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms did the selection and use of medicines. Pregnant women’s practice self-medication to treat a number of medical conditions. However, self-medication in pregnant women’s leads to potential drug adverse reaction. Higher risks were reported if women were in their first trimesters of pregnancy. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of self-medication and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Nekemte Referral Hospital. Methodology: A Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 195 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Nekemte Referral hospital from May to June 2018. Semi-structured interviewer questionnaire was used to collect data from each study subjects. SPSS version 21 software was used to categorize and analyze data. Association is significant at p-value less than 0.05. Results: In this study, 195 pregnant mothers were participated. The respondents’ age range from 21 to 45 years and their mean age was 30.4+3.45 years. Self-medication practice among pregnant women was 21.5% with the most common self-medicated drugs were paracetamol 19 (45.2%) and amoxicillin 12 (28.6%). Respondents aged between 20 to 30 years (AOR=0.108, 95% CI: 0.012-0.952) and 31 to 40 years (AOR= 0.078, 95% CI: 0.009-0.698) were less likely to practice self-medication than those above 40 years old respondent. Farmer pregnant women were less likely (AOR=0.881, 95% CI: 0.006-1.099) to use self-medication than students. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication was 21.5% among respondents. Pregnant women with age group of 31 to 40 years and farmers had less likely to practice self-medication.

Prevalence of self-medication in rural area of Andhra Pradesh.

Background:The consumption of medicine without consulting a doctor is called self-medication. In the recent decade, the prevalence of self-medication was increased mainly in the developing countries. The reason varies from the nonavailability of doctors to economical reason. But people are not aware of the side effects and interactions of drugs. This is risky behavior and may lead to death. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence and various reasons, sources, and common drugs used for self-medication.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. 166 houses were selected by using a simple random sampling method. One respondent from one household was interviewed by using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed by using SPSS V22. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were applied to find associations. Phi, Cramer Rao V, and contingency coefficient were applied to find the strength of association. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant.Results:Among 166 subjects, the majority (58.4%) of participants were in the age group between 18-30 and most of them were female 142 (85.5%). The prevalence of self-medication was 68.1%. The main source of self-medication was directly from the pharmacy, that is, pharmacists (72.6%). Analgesics were commonly (85%) self-medicated drug. The main indication for self-medication was headache (78.8%) and fever (66.4%).Conclusion:The prevalence of self-medication was high and which is hazardous to health. This needs prompt legislative action.

Self-Medication in Pregnancy and Associated Psychopathological Symptoms of Antenatal Nigerian Women

The physical and psychological health challenges of Self-Medication (SM) for a pregnant woman and the unborn child spotlights it as an emergency. This unwraps a gap in epidemiological studies on SM and associated psychopathological symptoms among Nigerian pregnant women. This study examines the predictive influence of self-medication with Over The Counter (OTC) drugs on manifested psychopathological symptoms among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in State Specialist Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. Purposively selected 277 pregnant women ( age = 29.33; SD = 4.77) participated in the study. The participants responded to the Substance Abuse Prevalence Inventory, Self-Medication Test (SMT), and Awaritefe Psychological Index (API). Findings reveal a low prevalence of psychoactive drug use (2.8%) and a high prevalence of (OTC) drug self-medication (31.4%) and psychopathological symptoms (34.7%). Self-medication with OTC drugs independently and significantly predicted severities of insomnia (β = .178, p = .001), intellect disorder (β = .244, p = .000), heat disorder (β = .109, p = .046), mood disorder (β = .188, p = .001), head region disorder (β = .162, p = .003), alimentary tract disorder (β = .118, p = .030), general somatic disorder (β = .244, p = .000), and general psychopathology (β = .229, p = .000). The study reports a high prevalence of psychopathological symptoms among the Nigerian sample and concludes that the SM of OTC drugs is a significant predictor of the severity of the symptoms of psychopathology among pregnant women.