Perceptions and Practices of Self-Medication among Medical Students in Coastal South India

Abstract

Self-medication is a common practice worldwide and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern. This study assessed the prevalence of self-medication among the medical students in South India. The data was analysed using SPSS version 11.5. A total of 440 students were included in the study. The prevalence of self-medication was 78.6%. A larger number of females were self-medicating (81.2%) than males (75.3%). The majority of the students self-medicated because of the illness being too trivial for consultation (70.5%). Antipyretics were most commonly self–medicated by the participants (74.8%). Only 47% of the participants opined that self-medication was a part of self-care and it needs to be encouraged. 39.3% of the participants perceived that the supply of medicine without prescription by the pharmacist can prevent the growing trend of self-medication. Easy availability and accessibility to health care facilities remains the cornerstone for reducing the practice of self-medication.

Automedicação em estudantes de enfermagem do Estado do Amazonas – Brasil

“…In spite of the regulation of the national health surveillance agency ("ANVISA") prohibiting the sale of antibiotics without prescription (14) , the second most consumed medicine was antibiotics. This finding is corroborated by research conducted with students from universities in Africa and Asia (4)(5)9) . In these countries, this medicine class is used to self-medicate because it is considered a low-cost alternative, especially by individuals who cannot afford or do not have access to health services.…”

“…In these countries, this medicine class is used to self-medicate because it is considered a low-cost alternative, especially by individuals who cannot afford or do not have access to health services. Furthermore, the limited inspection capacity of the government and the tenacity of pharmaceutical companies in the sale of antibiotics limits any effective regulation (4,15) . These issues are very similar to the reality of the state of Amazonas.…”

“…The motives for self-medication include prior experience with the symptom or disease, the belief that one has knowledge of the disease, limited financial resources to appropriate treat a health problem, lack of time to seek medical assistance, and personal attitude regarding the disease. The common factors associated with self-medication are women, higher age group, physically active, alcohol consumption, and people with health insurance (4)(5)(6)(7) . Given the epidemiological magnitude and negative impact of this practice, self-medication among students in the area of healthcare is considered an important public health problem.…”

“…Studies show that prevalence rates range from 38.0% to 97.8%, depending on the students' country of origin, graduation course, or the reminiscent period of self-medication (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) . In Brazil, although previous studies conducted in large urban centres found that self-medication among nurses is frequent (2,8,10) , the magnitude of the phenomenon is unknown in the North region.…”

An Exploration in Women’s Perception of the Use of Over-the-Counter Drugs: A Content Analysis

“…However, if such access is not disciplined by specific programs, many problems such as arbitrary drug use will emerge (5). Selfmedication using drugs is defined as using OTC (over-thecounter) drugs for achieving recovery and health, but without professional advice or prescription (6), or the intermittent or continuous use of a medication prescribed by a physician for chronic or recurring diseases or symptoms (7).…”