National Journal of Community Medicine (Jun 2015)
Self-Medication: Awareness and Attitude Among Undergraduate Medical Students in A Tertiary Care Medical College, Dhule
Abstract
Background: The practice of self-medication is becoming more common worldwide and currently plays a major role in self-care. The objectives of our study were to determine the perception and level of awareness regarding over the counter over the counter (OTC) medications, among the medical students and to assess the pattern of self-medication practice. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a validated self- administered, questionnaire was used to collect data among un- dergraduate medical students from a medical college. Results: Of the 464 respondents, 151 (32.6%) were female and 313 (67.4%) were male. Overall, 389 (84%) participants consumed OTC medications. The commonly consumed OTC drugs were supplements and vitamins followed by painkillers, flu/ cough remedies and sore throat products. The OTC medications were most frequently bought from pharmacies. Easy access, conven- ience and time saving were the most frequent reasons for self- medication. Of the study participants, 74 were on regular pre- scription medications and half of them were unsure or disagreed that OTC drugs could interfere with the regular prescription drugs. Conclusion: Lack of awareness regarding drug interaction is an issue that warrants further intervention by increasing the knowledge so as to prevent adverse events from the drugs.
