Practice of self-medication among 2nd year medical and dental students

Authors

  • Lakshmi Deepika Patchva Department of Pharmacology, Dr. PSIMS and RF, Dr. PSIMS and RF, Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Sowmya . Department of Pharmacology, Dr. PSIMS and RF, Dr. PSIMS and RF, Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Supriya Priyambada Department of Pharmacology, Dr. PSIMS and RF, Dr. PSIMS and RF, Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Jagadeesh . Department of Pharmacology, Dr. PSIMS and RF, Dr. PSIMS and RF, Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Dwaraka . Department of Pharmacology, Dr. PSIMS and RF, Dr. PSIMS and RF, Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20163228

Keywords:

Self-medication, Medical students, Dental students

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is the use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized symptoms and illness. It assumes a special significance among medical students as they are the future medical practitioners. Main purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of self-medication among 2nd year medical and dental students and to evaluate the factors associated with self-medication.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of self-developed, pretested questionnaire related to various aspects of self-medication. Study population which consists of 2nd year medical and dental students. Data was analyzed using MS-Excel and the results were expressed as frequency and percentages.

Results: A total of 180 students were assessed regarding their practice about self-medication, of which 37.7 % (n=68) were males and 73.3 % (n=132) were females. The mean age of the respondents was 19-21years. Among the participants particing self-medication, majority (n=89, 49 %) followed allopathic system of medicine, followed by Homeopathic (n=39,22%) and ayurvedic system of medicine (n= 51, 28 %).

Conclusions: Out of 180 respondents, the prevalence of self-medication among the study participants was 43.3% (n=78). Self-medication was proportionately more practiced by dental students. The preference pattern for self-medication was allopathy (49%), ayurveda (28%), and homeopathy (23%). 67% of the students were of the opinion that there was no need to consult the physician for simple ailments. Knowledge about appropriate self-medication was adequate, attitude towards self-medication was positive and the practice of self-medication was common and often inappropriate.

References

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Published

2017-01-10

How to Cite

Patchva, L. D., ., S., Priyambada, S., ., J., & ., D. (2017). Practice of self-medication among 2nd year medical and dental students. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 5(5), 2013–2016. https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20163228

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Original Research Articles