Self-medication practice and perceptions among undergraduate medical students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Self-medication practice is widespread in many countries and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern.It assumes a special significance among medical students as they are exposed to knowledge about diseases and drugs.

Aim: To assess practice and perception of self medication among undergraduate medical students.

Materials and methods: It is a cross-sectional study in which study population consisted of undergraduate medical students of Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College Gulbarga, Karnataka, India. This study was conducted from March to April 2014. Total 448 students were taken. Out of which 8 incomplete questionnaires were excluded and 440 were analysed. The students who took self-medication during last six months were included. Written informed consent was obtained from each volunteer prior to the study. Students were given a questionnaire that include both open and close ended questions about self-medication practice. Ethical Approval: Ethics Committee approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Gulbarga, India, prior to the commencement of the study.

Statistical analysis: Data was analysed and presented as counts and percentages.

Results: It was found that 388 (88.18%) students practiced self medication. The principal morbidity for seeking self medication was cold and cough as reported by 304 (78.35%) students. Antibiotics were most commonly self medicated as reported by 248 (63.91%) students, out of which only 92 (37.1%) students completed the full course of antibiotic regimen. Only 176 (40%) students opined that self medication is part of self care.

Conclusion: Self-medication is widely practiced among undergraduate medical students. In this situation, we should educate the students about advantages and disadvantages of self medication.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Generic drugs; Over the Counter; Questionnaire.

[Table/Fig-2]:

Frequency of self medication

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System of medicine followed for self medication

[Table/Fig-5]:

Indications/symptoms for self medication

[Table/Fig-6]:

Drug classes used for self medication

[Table/Fig-7]:

Source of information

[Table/Fig-8]:

Reasons for self medication