Prevalence and determinants of self-medication practices among general population: A cross-sectional study in Thimphu, Bhutan and Chattogram, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is a global phenomenon and a potential contributor to negative health consequences on human health including emergence of antibiotic drug resistance globally. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and determinants of self-medication in Thimphu, Bhutan and Chattogram, Bangladesh, two neighbouring South Asian country. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Thimphu, Bhutan and Chattogram, Bangladesh. A pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, health status and self-medication practices in the previous year. Results: Out of the 998 recruited participants, 61.8% (170/275) from Thimphu and 41.5% (300/723) from Chattogram reported self-medication practices in last year of interview. In Thimphu, eye/ear infection (90.9%), fever (84.9%), headache (80.5%) and cough and cold (78.2%) were the major illnesses reported for self-medication, whereas in Chattogram people mostly self-medicated for skin disorder (74.4%), diarrhoeal illness (59.1%) and eye/ear infection (48.1%). Knowledge on side-effects of the drugs taken for self-medication was comparatively higher in Thimphu than in Chattogram. Both in Thimphu and Chattogram, higher odds of self-medication were found for common illnesses with adjusted OR 7.8; 95% CI 3.3–18.4 and adjusted OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4–2.8, respectively in Thimphu and Chattogram. Conclusion: Self-medication was found to be substantially high in both the cities, however, rate of self-medication was higher in Thimphu compared to Chattogram. Knowledge and awareness raising about harmful effect of self-medication and effective regulation over selling of prescription medication in pharmacies should be strengthened in both countries.

Prevalence, practice, determinants and adverse effects of self-medication among young people living in a suburban community of Ekiti, Nigeria: A community-based cross-sectional study

“…7 Among the adult population of Bangladesh, it was reported that about 41.5% and 61.8% were involved in the practice from studies in Chattogram and Thimphu, respectively. 8 Participants from these two cities cited lack of perceived seriousness of the disease and no hospitals in nearest places as reasons for self-medication. 8 In Nigeria, while about 41% of the population was reported to be involved in self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic, the commonest reason for self-medication was fear of stigmatization and discrimination.…”

“… 8 Participants from these two cities cited lack of perceived seriousness of the disease and no hospitals in nearest places as reasons for self-medication. 8 In Nigeria, while about 41% of the population was reported to be involved in self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic, the commonest reason for self-medication was fear of stigmatization and discrimination. 9 This has been attributed to increased uncontrolled availability of drugs usage without prescription in these countries.…”

The Role of the Internet in Influencing Self-Medication Behaviors Among Urban Residents in India: A Cross-sectional Study

“…Worldwide, it ranges from 11.7% to a staggering 92%. In developing nations, this practice is even more widespread, with rates ranging from 12.7-95%, while in Western countries, it is comparatively lower, often reported at around 3% (2,3).…”

“…In India, self-medication is a widespread phenomenon, affecting both urban and rural populations. Approximately 37% of individuals in urban areas and 17% in rural areas engage in self-medication practices (3). Alarmingly, more than half of the adolescent population in India, exceeding 50%, resort to self-medication daily.…”

“…It's worth noting that pharmacist consultation emerged as the most prevalent source of guidance for self-medication. Notably, certain predictors associated with the practice of self-medication included older age, the presence of chronic diseases, and having a monthly income or medical insurance that did not cover treatment expenses (3,(6)(7)(8)(9).…”