A questionnaire based study to assess the knowledge of 2nd year medical students on self-medication / OTC
Journal Title: International Journal of Research in Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics (IJRPP) - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 2
Abstract
The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge of medical students about OTC drugs. Materials & methods 150 students who are in 2nd year MBBS studying at MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Hoskote were given a questionnaire covering about awareness & various aspects on usage of OTC drugs & responses obtained were noted. Results 120 (80%) students knew that OTC means Non-prescription drugs. Among 150 students, only (54%) used OTC & majority of them have taken treatment from physician in the past 6 months. The frequently reported illness that prompted self-medication included respiratory diseases [cough, cold, sore throat, pharyngitis, tonsillitis etc.] & viral fever. Majority of them obtained OTC by telling the drug name - self decision (64%), telling symptom (11.33%), showing old prescription (8.66%) & 10 (6.66%) students have practiced self-medication by advice from an herbalist / Ayurveda. Most common reasons for self-medication was its less time consuming (43.33%) & previous experience of similar illness (26.66%) which lead to repeated use of self-medication for same problem in (82%) students. Commonly used self-medication was analgesic (97.33%). Gastrointestinal side effects (47.33%) & sedation (39.33%) were more with OTC drugs used. We have found that (51.33%) people share OTC among relatives and friends. About (81.33%) students were aware about precautions to be taken as per instructions & label, whereas (57.33%) students knew about possible drug interactions / contraindications of OTC drugs. Conclusion Even though self-medication was not common among our students because most of them were aware about OTC drugs their advantages & disadvantages, it’s inevitable to stop its usage among the public. The intervention will require better education of public and health professionals to avoid the irrational use of drugs.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr Swapna R Nayaka
Keywords
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