A cross-sectional study on self-medication practices among the rural population of Meghalaya
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2016, Vol 5, Issue 6
Abstract
Background: Self-medication can be described as a double-edged sword for its users, because it has both beneficial and harmful effects. The practice of self-medication is influenced by various factors. Meghalaya being an antimalarial drug resistant region is very much vulnerable to harms of self-medication. Objective: Therefore, this study was initiated to determine the prevalence of self-medication for allopathic drugs among the rural population and to find out the association between certain socio-demographic characteristics and self-medication . Materials and Methods: The study was a community-based, cross-sectional study carried out at Sohiong area of Mawphlang Block, East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, India. A total of 400 respondents of 18 years of age or more were randomly selected for the study. Result: Prevalence of self-medication was found to be 55% for allopathic drugs. Higher percentages of self-medication practices were seen among male gender (54.7%), people educated at least up to high school (64%), and in the younger age group (55%). Mild illness (30%) was the most common reason for self-medication followed by unwillingness to go to doctors (27%). Cough and common cold (28.3%) were found to be the most common symptoms for self-medication. Most common source of information for self-medication was family members and friends (38.7%). Conclusion: Higher percentages of self-medication practices were seen among the males, higher educational and socio - economic status, and younger age group. Health education to people regarding responsible self-medication is necessary to prevent misuse and adverse effect of self-medication.
Authors and Affiliations
Apurba Marak, Madhur Borah, Himashree Bhattacharyya, Kaushik Talukdar
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP107184
- DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2016.17072015160
- Views 91
- Downloads 0
Morbidity pattern of geriatric population in rural areas of western Uttar Pradesh
Background: Aging is a complex, multifactorial, and inevitable process that begins before birth and continues throughout the life. It is an inevitable truth that older people in Indian society has been well perceived...
Prevalence of obesity and overweight in schoolgoing adolescents of Surat city, Gujarat, India
Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing with the changing lifestyle of families over the past few years. Objectives: To study the prevalence and review speci fi c parameters contributing to obesity in sc...
Feasibility of two staged newborn hearing screening and identification of risk factors for hearing loss other than those included in high risk registry (HRR) given by joint committee on infant hearing (JCIH)
Background: Hearing impairment in neonates is a hidden disability, which is usually detected around 2 years of age. Crucial speech and language development begins during first six months of life. Undetected hearin...
Prospective study to compare clinical, X-ray and computed tomography findings in various paranasal sinus pathologies
Background: Paranasal sinuses (PNS) diseases are very common and comprises wide spectrum ranging from inflammation to neoplasm. Objectives: Objectives of the study were to study and compare clinical, X-ray and computed t...
Prevalence and risk factors of isolated systolic hypertension among the elderly population in Davangere, Karnataka
Background: The WHO has estimated that globally hypertension is directly responsible for about 62% of cerebrovascular disease and 49% of ischemic heart disease. The risks of stroke and coronary heart disease are directly...