Abstract

This is prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study which was carried out among 300 literate subjects of both urban and rural population. The objective of our study was to compare the impact and pattern of self-medication between urban and rural literate population. Three hundred literates with one hundred and fifty each in urban and rural population were provided with a questionnaire containing various questions on the implications, pattern and reasons for self-medication. Data was analyzed statistically using SPSS version 18 for counts and percentage. Respondents in the urban group fell ill more often than in the rural group (33 % v/s 26 %) but tendency to self-medicate was less (71 % v/s 86 %). Use of previous prescription was also less common (67 % v/s 81 %) among them. Incidence of adverse drug reactions was less (17 % v/s 27 %); however, emergencies were more (51 % v/s 13%) among urban population. Self-medication was largely due to lack of time (66 % v/s 47 %) and antibiotics were more frequently used (26 % v/s 7 %). Though lack of time (47 %) was the commonest reason for self-medication in rural population, cost was also an important factor (17 %). In both the groups, analgesics were the most commonly used drugs for self-medication (U = 46 %, R = 53 %).The pattern of self-medication is different in urban and rural literate populations. Adverse reactions including emergencies can occur due to self-medication. Hence, awareness about self-medication and its hazards has to be created among both urban and rural population.

Authors and Affiliations