Abstract

A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF SELF MEDICATION

Kotupalli Sindhuja*, Javeria Khatoon, Katregu Ashok, Medari Lavanya and Madhuri Penumadhula

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Abstract

Background: To study the prevalence of self-medication among the general population in Hyderabad, and the proportion who selfmedicated. Study objective is to assess the prevalence of selfmedication, predisposing factors that lead to the practice of selfmedication, to assess different classes of drugs used in self-medication. Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional among the adult population in hyderabad to appraise the proportion of individuals practicing self-medication. By using a structures questionnaire, 1059 samples have collected. Collected data is analyzed and reported as frequency and percentages. Results: Self-medication was practiced by 62.7% of subjects. Where the main reasons to practice self-medication are patients have prior knowledge of the medication (62.6%), and minor illness (46.2). Analgesics (48.5%), antibiotics (31.9%) and antihistamines (31.5%) are majorly used medications for self -medication. Conclusions: The data procured from this study substantiate a high prevalence of self-medication. The variables corresponding with self-medication are age and region. Health awareness camps must be conducted aware people of the harms and benefits of self-medication practice. Authentic legislation ought to be enforced by the regulations to promote rational use.

Keywords: Self-medication, Prevalence, Over-the-counter.