Trends in self-medication for dental conditions among patients attending oral health outreach programs in coastal Karnataka, India

Abstract

Objectives:To determine the prevalence, pattern, and awareness of self-medication practices among patients presenting at oral health outreach programs in coastal Karnataka, India.Materials and Methods:The cross-sectional study, based on an interview conducted in randomly selected 400 study subjects from the patients presenting at these oral health outreach programs. Data were collected regarding demographic information and the interview schedule consisting of 14 questions was administered.Results:Prevalence of self-medication was 30%. Respondents’ gender (χ2 = 5.095, P < 0.05), occupation (χ2 = 10.215, P < 0.05), the time from the last dental visit (χ2 = 8.108, P < 0.05), recommendation of drug(s) to family members or friends (χ2 = 75.565, P < 0.001), and the likelihood of self-medication in the next 6 months (χ2 = 80.999, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with self-medication. Male respondents were less likely to have undertaken self-medication (odds ratio = 0.581 [0.361, 0.933]). The frequently self-medicated drug was analgesics (42.5%) for toothache (69.2%). The regression model explained 39.4% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in self-medication practices.Conclusions:Prevalence of self-medication was 30% with demographic influence. Hence, this study highlights the policy implications for drug control by government agencies and stresses on the need for dental health education to discourage irrational drug use.

Self-Medication for Toothache and its Associated Factors in Children and Adolescents

“…The practice of self-medication for rapid relief of pain, fever or crying symptoms associated with toothache, can result in financial savings with consultations, examinations and treatments, and less time dedicated to child or adolescent care. It has been reported that in economically disadvantaged communities, where the level of schooling is lower, most episodes of pain are treated by self-medication [16,25]. Consistent with these reports, a study carried out with a low socioeconomic status population, residing in a rural area of India, showed that the most common form of self-care in cases of toothache was the use of over-the-counter medicines [22].…”

“…In the context of oral health, one of the most common reasons for one's self-medication is toothache, which can have varying causes such as dental eruption and tooth decay. Since it is a process characterized by painful symptoms, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs are most commonly used by patients presenting with toothache, in order to avoid or postpone visits to the dentist [15,16]. In schoolchildren, parent/caregiver anxiety and fear of dental care may be the leading reasons for the practice of self-medication for toothache [17][18][19].…”

Gaps in need, demand, and effective demand for dental care utilization among residents of Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India

“…Another limitation is the subjective nature of perceived dental care because they were influenced by an individual's viewpoint on the sense of his or her oral health and problem. [ 18 19 ] Therefore, it is not only the severity of signs and symptoms of dental illness which influence perceived need for care but it can also be influenced by dental health literacy. [ 20 21 ] Many people are often unaware of their dental care needs, which may be due to less severity of pain and unaffected daily activities.…”

Topical ear drop self-medication practice among the Ear, Nose, and Throat patients in Ido Ekiti, Nigeria: A cross - sectional study

“…This findings was in agreement with many studies conducted by previous authors. [ 1 16 17 18 19 20 ] However, male preponderance was recorded in the studies carried out by other researchers. [ 21 22 23 ] It is generally believed that women are more health conscious and seek health services more frequently and better health practices than men.…”