Abstract

A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT SELF-MEDICATION AMONG RURAL POPULATION OF KALABURAGI CITY

Mohammed Sohail Ahmed*, Neelambika S. Ghanti, Meera Reji, Namrata G. Thombre and Manjunath Waggi

.

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is very rampant in south Asia countries especially in India, which may be a cause of concern regarding health issues, despite its solitary effects. Majority of population consume SM for prophylactic, minor ailments; with most medicines being used like PPI’s, NSAIDS etc. But it’s after maths effects are over looked. Aim and Objectives: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about self-medication in rural population of Kalaburagi city by means of questionnaire (before & after intervention). To assess the impact of self-medication. To identify the most common conditions and medications preferred for self- medication among rural population. Materials and Methods: Six months study was carried out by collecting the data with the help of questionnaire. Paired t-test was applied for statistical significance. Results: Total 120 subjects were enrolled in the study. The common conditions reported by study were cold & cough 25 (20.8%). Majority of the participants have stated that they prefer self-medications such as analgesics 36 (30.0%). As we analyzed the study, the mean knowledge score (28.6%), attitude (24.1%) and practice (25.4%) were significantly improved after the intervention. Conclusion: The study findings have revealed that some of the rural population were in favour that SM is not safe and can harm their health and had a habit of knowing/checking expiry date. A clinical pharmacist can play a pivotal role by increasing the knowledge towards SM as an education intervention.

Keywords: Self-Medication, World Health Organization, Rural population, Over the Counter.