Abstract

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE SELF-MEDICATION AMONG PHARMACY STUDENTS

Chandru V., Dhanush Kumar D., Dhanushkumar R.*, Prem Kumar S., Peter Prince J., Manivannan R.

Abstract

Background: Responsible self-medication is an essential component of self-care and plays a significant role in reducing healthcare burden. However, inappropriate self-medication may lead to adverse drug reactions (ADRs), antibiotic resistance, and delayed diagnosis of serious illnesses. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward responsible self-medication among pharmacy students. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 pharmacy students at Excel College of Pharmacy, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, from October 2025 to February 2026. A prevalidated, self-administered questionnaire was distributed through Google Forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage). Results: The majority of participants were aged 18–22 years (95.9%) and male (65.2%). Awareness regarding the term self-medication was high (86.2%). About 58.3% reported practicing self-medication in the last six months. Headache (56.8%) and fever (34.2%) were the most common indications. Although 72.3% followed recommended dosage, 36.8% preferred prescription-only medicines. Around 35.4% experienced adverse effects. Conclusion: Pharmacy students demonstrate good knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward responsible selfmedication. However, gaps in practice such as use of prescription medicines without consultation and dosage deviation remain. Strengthening academic training on rational drug use is recommended.

Keywords: Self-medication, Responsible drug use, Pharmacy students, OTC drugs, Adverse drug reactions, KAP study.