Perceptions and practices of self-medication among undergraduate medical students at Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi, India

Abstract

Background: Self-medication practice is widespread in many countries and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern. It assumes a special significance among medical students as they are exposed to knowledge about diseases and drugs. To assess practice and perception of self-medication among undergraduate medical students.Methods: It is a descriptive study in which study population was comprised of 2nd year undergraduate medical students of Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. Total 134 students were included in the study. Written informed consent was obtained from each volunteer prior to the study. Students were given a questionnaire that included both open and close ended questions about self-medication practice. Data was analysed and presented as counts and percentages.Results: It was found that 72 (54%) students practiced self-medication. The principal morbidity for seeking self-medication was cold and cough as reported by 70 (53%) students. Antibiotics were most commonly self-medicated as reported by 55 (36%) students. Only 34 (25%) students opined that self-medication is part of self-care.Conclusions: Self-medication is widely practiced among under­ graduate medical students. In this situation, we should educate the students about advantages and disadvantages of self-medication.

Prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding self-medication among medical, dental and paramedical students in a tertiary care hospital

“…This may be because of studying pharmacology subject in second year which was supported by other studies. 11,13 They are getting all information about drugs like their mechanism, uses, adverse drug reactions etc. In addition they are working up cases in the clinical subjects.…”

“…Similar results were noticed in previous studies. 7,11 Dental students have reported cough/ common cold as the most common symptom followed fever. This outcome was similarly noticed in former study.…”

“…This is in agreement with earlier studies. 5,11,17 Students knew about the important information of selfmedication like common adverse effects etc. in this study.…”

“…This is contradictory to another study which has mentioned the 'old prescription' as common source of drug infomration. 11 The reason might be that parents of most of the students are in medical/paramedical profession.…”

“…5,10 Not only medical knowledge of students but availability of drugs as free samples and influences of internet also plays a significant role. 11 A study conducted among medical and dental students stated that 92.7% students practiced self-medication. 12 A similar pattern has been seen reported among medical students from government and non-government medical colleges.…”