An epidemiological study of self-medication among urban adults of Aligarh
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 4
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 selfmedication. 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.
Authors and Affiliations
Anees Ahmad, Mohd Tabish Khan, Najam Khalique, Mohd Athar Ansari, Mohd Maroof
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP303471
- DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2017.0852018112016
- Views 70
- Downloads 0
Evaluation of waist-to-hip ratio as a predictor of cardiovascular risk factors
Background: Abdominal obesity judged by increased waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is an important risk factor for atheroscle - rosis. One of the mechanisms postulated by which truncal obesity increases coronary risk is high...
Assessment of long term glycaemic control (HbA1c) and its correlation with biochemical and other parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in an urban community setting
Background: Presence of diabetes changes one’s life image and creates demand for treatment. Long-term vascular complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus. Patients with...
Different strategies for simultaneous repair of aortic coarctation and associated cardiac diseases in adult patients
Background: Coarctation of aorta and associated cardiac disease is complex medical situation. Both requires correction either simultaneous or in stages. A distinct approach is vital in order to bring down the periope...
Study of intestinal parasites among the immunosuppressed patients attending a tertiary-care center in Northeast India
Background: Intestinal parasitic infestations cause a variety of clinical conditions, ranging from asymptomatic infestations to life-threatening situations. This study will highlight the importance of screening fo...
Concomitant aortic regurgitation is a predictor of outcome after surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Background: Concomitant aortic regurgitation (AR) might worsen the prognosis of severe aortic stenosis (AS). But the prognostic value of concomitant AR in patients operated for severe AS is not addressed. Objective: The...