An exploratory study on prevalence of self-medication among the students of selected university, Rajpura, Punjab

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is defined as the use of non-prescription drugs by an individual for the treatment of self-diagnosed ailments. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of self-medication and to explore the factors leading to self-medication among the students of selected university. The aim of this research was to assess the prevalence of self-medication among students, to explore the factors leading to self-medication among students, and to find out the association between the prevalence of self-medication and selected socio-demographic variables.

Methods: It was an exploratory design. 500 students were selected by using a convenient sampling method. Students of selected university were included in the study to assist the prevalence of self-medication and to explore the factors leading to self-medication. A self- structured questionnaire was used for collecting data.

Result: Self-medication was reported by 88.4% of students. The most common ailment for which self-medication is being taken was pain (84.40%) followed by respiratory (83.80%). Most students take self-medication occasionally (77.30%). Only 5.40% of students take self-medication daily. The most common factor which leads to self-medication in students was confidence in self-medication (83.4%) followed by family and friend’s advice (82.0%). There was no association between socio-demographic variables and the prevalence of self-medication except association seen with gender.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence of self-medication in students of selected university was 88.4% and self-confidence is the most common factor which leads to self-medication. Self-medication is an important issue among students.