Assessing Self-Medication Practices: A Cross-Sectional Study on Implications and Challenges

Abstract

Aim and Background: The survey aimed to explore and understand the perceptions and attitudes of individuals towards self-medication, and to examine the extent to which they engage in self-medication practices. The survey gathered data on the reasons why individuals choose to self-medicate, the types of medications they use, the sources of information they rely on, and their awareness of the potential risks and benefits of self-medication. Methodology: A total of 120 subjects participated in the study, and the majority of respondents belonged to the age group of 18-20 and 21-25. Among the respondents, 68.5% of them were female, and 51.4% of respondents belonged to healthcare professions/students. Result: When asked about their preference for self-medication, 76.6% of the respondents preferred self-medication, and the majority of respondents (47.7%) opted to self-medicate sometimes. The principal morbidities for which respondents seek self-medication are headache (35.1%), fever, and cold (31.3%). The most commonly used medication for self-medication was analgesics and antipyretics (30.3%) and cough and cold preparations (27%). Results of the survey showed that while self-medication is a preferred mode of treatment for many individuals, most of them were unaware of the potential risks associated with self-medication. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the need for public health interventions aimed at promoting safe and effective medication use.