Abstract

Background: Self prescribing is usually defined as “medication that is taken on the patient’s own initiative or on the advice of a pharmacist or lay person.” In developing countries like India, private pharmacies are the predominant drug dispensers and “prescription only” drugs are available for sale in official pharmacies without a prescription. Modern medicament though of prime importance to humanity is potentially hazardous when administered indiscriminately in the form of “self-medication.” Objectives: To study the prevalence and pattern of self-medication among urban adults.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 424 adults aged 18 years and above residing in registered field practice area of Urban Health Training Centre. The sample was drawn using systematic random sampling with probability proportionate to size. The interview was taken using predesigned and pre-tested questionnaire. Out of 424, 395 adults responded to the questionnaire. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Tests of proportion were used.
Results: The prevalence of self-medication was found to be 83%. Pain was the most common symptom for self- medication. The source of drugs was mainly medical store. Lack of time, mild illnesses were the most common reason for not seeking medical advice. The majority of them were unaware of the adverse effects related to self-medication. Conclusion: Higher prevalence, as well as low awareness of side effects of self-medication, was seen. Awareness regarding the adverse consequence related to self-medication should be raised to lower the prevalence of self-medication.