Abstract

THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF SELFMEDICATION AMONG PHARMACY STUDENTS

Kiron S. S.*, Athira S. R. and Arya K. S.

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is the use of drugs with therapeutic value but without professional advice or prescription. It has also been defined as the use of nonprescription medicines. Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of selfmedication among pharmacy students. Methods: Prospective, observational study conducted at Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pariyaram, Kannur (DIST) duration was 4 months. Questionnaire includes two parts; the first part contained questions on demographic information and the second part contained questions on core issues such as health seeking behavior, names, sources and factors of drugs used for self medication. Prior to the survey students were explained about the purpose of the study and Written informed consent were obtained. Results: Majority of the respondent use analgesic as the main class of drug for self medication, fever and headache were the major complaints. 67.2% respondent took self medication sometimes were more prone to ADR (8.3%). Main source of self medication were pharmacy shop 99.7% and friend /family 99.49%. 68.42 % of the respondents had a positive attitude towards self-medication and favored self-medication states that it was acceptable. 87.7% respondent were aware about OTC and generic drugs and 53.9% aware about the side effect of drug administrated. Conclusion: The prevalence of self medication practices is alarmingly high among pharmacy students and majority of have a positive attitude towards self medication. In this situation proper statutory drug control and interventions to improve knowledge of self medication is needed.

Keywords: Self medication, Prescription, Prospective, Observational.