Abstract

PREVALENCE OF SELF MEDICATION AND ITS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS IN AN OUT PATIENT DEPARTMENT IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Ryngkatidor Gratia Lyngdoh*, Arbaka Lakyntiew Suting, Sharon Flavia Sunn, Shoaib Ali S. and P. Neelaphar

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Abstract

The main objectives of this study were to find out prevalence, and reasons, assessing most commonly used drug and common illness and also to find out the common side effects experienced while on selfmedication. A prospective, observational study was conducted in an OPD with the help of questionnaire in a population of 132 samples. With 132 individuals taking part in this study, the following data were obtained after analysing the filled questionnaire. In this study out of 132 individuals, 111 responded with yes as their answer (84.09%) and 21 responded with No as their answer (15.90%). The main reason was Saving money with 61.36%. After analysing the Questionnaire, it was found that the respond for most commonly used drug was Analgesic/Antipyretic with 95 individuals consuming it on their own (71.96%). 86 individuals (65.15%) reported the common illness for people taking selfmedication was Headache. This particular study reveals that while on self-medication the most commonly experienced side effects was sleep problems (14.39%). This study gives an overview of self-medication and its common side effects. Prevalence of self-medication in individuals visiting OPD was seen to be very high. Many individuals were not fully aware of the dangers of self-medication and were also ignorant to check expiry date, sharing ofprescriptions as well as taking half or double the dose on their own. It is therefore necessary to educate each and every-one either through direct counselling as well as distributing of Patient Information Leaflets. Encouraging the people to always refer to a physician in case of any medical attention, and if no physician is available at the moment, they can contact a qualified nurse or pharmacist to enquire about the medicine.

Keywords: Self - medication, Side effects, OPD.