Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics (Jan 2017)
Self Medication Practices Amongst Elderly Population in an Urban Health Center of Amravati District of Maharashtra, India
Abstract
Objective: To study the prevalence of self-medication practices amongst elderly population in urban health center of Amravati, Maharashtra. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2015-July 2015 data were collected by personal interviews using pretested questionnaires. The sample size was calculated using the formula n= 4pq/d2 considering p as 56% and allowable error 10%. A total of 320 elderly people were included in the survey. The eldest member of the family, present at the time of the visit was interviewed. Data were collected from 320 persons and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: The overall prevalence of self-medication was 48%. Allopathic drugs were the commonest mode of self-medication (95%). The commonest reason for self-medication was easy availability of medicines in medical stores and other shops, time saving factor (69%). Local pharmacist (89%) was the main source of information. Joint and muscle pain was the commonest indication identified for self-medication (89%). Conclusion: The study revealed that 48% of elderly population is influenced by self-medication practices without consulting doctors and the commonest causes for self medication were musculoskeletal pain, headache and fever.
