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. 2017 Mar-Apr;62(2):178-183.
doi: 10.4103/ijd.IJD_243_16.

Self-medication for Acne among Undergraduate Medical Students

Varshaben Vejabhai Karamata  1 , A M Gandhi  1 , P P Patel  1 , M K Desai  1
Affiliations

Self-medication for Acne among Undergraduate Medical Students

Varshaben Vejabhai Karamata et al. Indian J Dermatol. 2017 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and pattern of self-medication for acne among undergraduate medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in II MBBS (Group A), III MBBS Part I (Group B), and III MBBS Part II (Group C) students. Prevalidated questionnaire about knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication were administered to participants. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Chi-square test.

Results: Out of 582 students who responded to questionnaire, 518 suffered from acne. Self-medication practice was observed in 59.2% students. Significantly higher number of female students practiced self-medication (P < 0.0001). Most common source of information was seniors/friends/family members (34.2%). The mildness of illness (42.3%) was the most common reason of self-medication. A total mean score of knowledge was significantly higher in Group C as compared to Group A (P < 0.001) and Group B (P < 0.05). Allopathic medication was preferred by 69.8% students. Seventy-five percentage students read leaflet/package insert/label instruction and expiry date of the medicines.

Conclusions: The participating students lack the knowledge about self-medication for acne. Adequate knowledge and awareness about the appropriate use of medication will reduce the practice of self-medication and improve rational prescribing.

Keywords: Acne; self-medication; undergraduate medical students.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest. What is new? We have studied the drugs used for self-medication by undergraduate medical students in detail. More than 90% of medical students used antimicrobials. The majority of the students preferred topical application (236 [76.9%]) as and when required (45.3% students). Antimicrobial even if used topically may increase resistance. [15] Hence, awareness about self-medication is important in undergraduate medical students which will prevent adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance. Awareness about self-medication and its effect will improve rational prescribing in future.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Participation of medical students (n = 610)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reasons of self-medication for acne (n = 307)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Source of information for self-medication of acne (n = 307)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Self-medication practice in medical students for treatment of acne (n = 307)
Figure 5
Figure 5
Number of drug taken by the student (n = 214)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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