A cross sectional study on self-medication practices among a selected rural community of Hooghly district, West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Medicines are often used incorrectly; around 50% of all medicines are prescribed, dispensed or sold inappropriately, while 50% of patients fail to take their medicines appropriately (WHO 2002). Self-medication is an important concern worldwide and WHO has laid emphasis on correctly investigating and controlling it. Self-medication practices have dramatically increased in the last few decades, especially in developing countries like India. Therefore, the present study was planned to assess the prevalence of self-medication for during acute illness episodes and factors associated among a rural community.Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted from February to March, 2017 in Anandnagar village, Singur block. All the 900 households in village were included in the study. Data regarding pattern of self-medication were collected by using pretested structured schedule from head of the family or next available adult member. Data were analysed by using Microsoft Excel 2016.Results: Amongst 900 household’s data could be collected from 864 households. Majority respondents were housewives in age group 40-60 years and primary educated. 50.7% respondents reported having acute illness among family members in past 3 months, 48.5% amongst them reported using self-medication. Cough (56.6%), fever (20.3%) and pain (11.2%) were the conditions for which self-medication was used. Nearby medicine shop was the source of self-medication among 59.3% respondents. 2.3% reported using old prescriptions.Conclusions:Half of the communities having acute illness were using self-medication. Uncontrolled use of medicines needs to be addressed as it brings potential health hazards, drug resistance and misuse.

A Study to Assess the Self Medication Practices Among People in Bangalore

“…[9] In the present study, majority(65%) perceiving the ailment as minor was the leading cause for practicing self-medication, again this confirms the report from studies done in Bangalore and Hooghly. [10,11] With Vol.12; Issue: 7; July 2022 regard to source of getting information, it was found that 52% were referring to previous prescriptions,24% were consulting a local pharmacist,35% were consulting family and friends and 9% were influenced by electronic and print media .These results were similar to the report from the study done in Meghalaya. [12] With respect to buying medicines, majority (92%) of the respondents were buying medicines from medical shops which was similar to the study done in Erode district.…”