Self-medication for acne among undergraduate medical students

Abstract

Aims:This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and pattern of self-medication for acne among undergraduate medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in II MBBS (Group A), III MBBS Part I (Group B), and III MBBS Part II (Group C) students. Prevalidated questionnaire about knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication were administered to participants. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Chi-square test.Results:Out of 582 students who responded to questionnaire, 518 suffered from acne. Self-medication practice was observed in 59.2% students. Significantly higher number of female students practiced self-medication (P < 0.0001). Most common source of information was seniors/friends/family members (34.2%). The mildness of illness (42.3%) was the most common reason of self-medication. A total mean score of knowledge was significantly higher in Group C as compared to Group A (P < 0.001) and Group B (P < 0.05). Allopathic medication was preferred by 69.8% students. Seventy-five percentage students read leaflet/package insert/label instruction and expiry date of the medicines.Conclusions:The participating students lack the knowledge about self-medication for acne. Adequate knowledge and awareness about the appropriate use of medication will reduce the practice of self-medication and improve rational prescribing.

A cross sectional study of self-medication for acne among undergraduate medical students

“…In our study the prevalence of self-medication for acne among medical students was 77.4% which was higher as compared to studies conducted by Karamata et al and Jyothi et al 8,9 In studies conducted in other countries, the prevalence of self-medication was between 25% to 55% but in these studies self-medication for all minor illnesses was considered rather than specific to acne. 10,11 The mean age of students was 20.4±1.04 which was similar to previous studies.…”

“…10,11 The mean age of students was 20.4±1.04 which was similar to previous studies. 8 Self-medication was more common in females than males which was similar to a study conducted in Serbia but contrary to a study conducted in south india. 12,13 Most common reason for self-medication was mild nature of illness which was also reported by studies conducted in Ahmedabad and Bangalore.…”

“…12,13 Most common reason for self-medication was mild nature of illness which was also reported by studies conducted in Ahmedabad and Bangalore. 8,9 In country like India where there is scarcity of health care professionals and limited resources, it is a good practice. Even WHO recommends self-medication for minor illnesses.…”

“…48% students felt that self-medication is part of self-care which is in accordance to previous studies. 8,9 Though self-medication is part of self-care, drugs should be self-medicated with thorough knowledge otherwise inappropriate self-medication will have harmful effects. Majority of students used clindamycin for selfmedication of acne.…”

Automedicación en pacientes con acné. Consulta de dermatología. Hospital Provincial General Docente Riobamba. Diciembre 2017 - mayo 2018

“…La producción y comercialización de diferentes fármacos sintéticos como la isotretinoina, acompañado de fuertes campañas de marketing, hacen que el uso de los mismo gane más adeptos en relación con otras terapéuticas. (15,20) Atendiendo a lo cual, no sorprende que la mayor parte de los individuos que participaron en la investigación los prefieran para automedicarse contra el acné. A pesar de la efectividad demostrada por diferentes medicamentos elaborados en base a principios naturales en el tratamiento del acné, tales como el propóleo, (20,21) el grupo más reducido de los pacientes de la población estudiada declaró utilizarlos.…”