Self-medication practices for oral health problems: A community-based cross-sectional study in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The prevalence of self-medication is a common practice among Sri Lankans. However, the practice of self-medication for oral health problems has not been studied in the country. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence and the associated factors of self-medication practices for oral conditions. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 441 adults in Piliyandala, Sri Lanka. The participants who had experienced an oral health-related concern within the past year were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method with probability proportionate to size technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The results revealed that 68.9% practiced self-medication for an oral health condition during the past year. Dental pain was the most common reason for self-medicating. Allopathic medications were used by 85.2%. Amoxicillin and Metronidazole were taken by 10.2% and 12.8% respectively. Poor attitude towards oral healthcare services and low family income were significant predictors of self-medication and despite the availability of oral health services, a considerable number of participants resorted to self-medication due to the perceived simplicity of the condition and the high cost of dental treatments.