scholarly journals Self medication among elderly poses challenges in urban settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 541
Author(s):  
Sadhana K. Hingorani ◽  
Anupama S. Desai ◽  
Sakshi S. Desai ◽  
Raj Kumar Bansal ◽  
Shubham Agarwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Senior Citizen ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Interactive Session ◽  
Written Informed Consent

Background: Self-medication can be defined as obtaining and consuming one (or more) drug(s) without the advice of a physician. Using over the counter medicine is a common practice in developing countries including India. Studies have shown relatively high rates of self-medication among elderly and suggested awareness programmes among this group. Objectives of current study are to determine the prevalence of self-medication among geriatric population and to educate them about self-medication by an interactive session.Methods This was a cross sectional, questionnaire based study to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication in geriatric population in senior citizen club of Adajan and Ghoddod area of Surat city. Questionnaires were designed and modified from previous studies. Written informed consent was taken from those willing to participate in the study. After filling of pre-questionnaire, an interactive session was arranged and post-questionnaire were given to all participants. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.Results: Number of participants in present study was 100. Self-medication was most common in age group of 65 to 75 years (48%) followed by less than 65 years (33%). 85% participants reported having taken non-prescription drugs. Drugs commonly used for self-medication were analgesics (85) and antacids (80). Side effects due to self-medication were reported by 22 participants. Main reasons for self-medication cited were to save expenses (65) and to save time (62). Post study awareness increased to 98%.Conclusions: Prevalence of self-medication is high in elderly. Interactive session can increase awareness regarding self-medication.

scholarly journals Practices on Over the Counter Medication among Mothers of Under Five Aged Children Attending Child OPD at Friends of Shanta Bhawan, Boudha, Kathmandu

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 19-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Maharjan ◽  
K Adhikari
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Otc Medicines

Background: Over the counter medicines are drugs that are brought without a medical prescription. The use of many OTC medicines in children is usually initiated by parents. Self medication in developing countries from a biological point of view point the risks that are involved in developing countries are reportedly higher than in industrialized countries. This can be related to the fact that in many developing countries drugs are available over the counter. In a study conducted in Pokhara, western Nepal found that 59% had taken self medication including OTC medicines.Objective: To assess the practices on OTC drug among mothers of under five aged childrenMethodology: The descriptive cross sectional study design was used. All the mothers of under five aged children visiting the Friends of Shanta Bhawan at the child OPD and had taken OTC medicines during last 6 months for child and wished to participate in the study were included using non probability purposive sampling technique during four weeks of data collection. The data was collected from 100 samples by face to face interview technique using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis such as mean, median, frequency, percentage, standard deviation was calculated according to the objectives.Results: Most of the respondents (92%) took OTC for fever, 75% took for cough and cold. 65% of respondents used OTC medicines because the pharmacy is near from their homes and 48% used it due too easy to get the medicine as compared to visit to doctors or hospital.Conclusion: This study concluded that mothers used OTC for the common problems of their children because OTC medications are near to reach and easy to get than to visit to doctors or hospitals.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v10i0.5640Health Prospect Vol.10 2011, pp.19-21

scholarly journals A study of self medication among the adult people of the Nanded city, western India

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. 3814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rambhau Dhondibarao Gadekar ◽  
Prakash Laxminarayan Gattani ◽  
Vishal Samadhan Dhande
Keyword(s):  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
School Level ◽  
Western India ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter

Background: Modern medicines are of prime importance to human being and are potentially hazardous when taken indiscriminately in the form of self medication. The main objective was to study the practice of self medication and the common ailments, drugs used, sources of information and the reasons for it.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out on 300 urban adults. From the four zone of Nanded city, one zone was selected by lottery method and from that zone one pharmacy (medical) shop was selected randomly for data collection. Adult people who bought medicines from the selected shop without any prescription were interviewed for information regarding sociodemographic factors like age, sex, residence, education, occupation etc and information about over the counter drug such as which drug they purchased, what was the main symptom of their illness, reasons for not consulting doctor, sources of information about over the counter drug etc. were collected on predesigned and pretested semi structured proforma.Results: Out of 300 study subjects 78.3% were males and 21.7% were females. Maximum study subjects, 39.0% were from 30-39 years of age group and 23% study subjects were educated up to secondary school level. Most common symptom was fever (21%) followed by headache (15%). The commonest category of drug used for self medication was analgesic drugs (27%) and majority of study subjects said pharmacist was the main source of information about OTC drugs (48.7%). 45% study subject stated that reason for self medication was high consultation fees of private doctors.Conclusions: Active age group male members in the family were more involved in self medication and high consultation fees of private doctors was the main reason for not consulting the doctor and practicing self medication.

scholarly journals RESEARCH ON SELF MEDICATION: A HYPE OR A HOPE? A LITERATURE REVIEW.

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Mythri Halappa
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Recent Trend ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractMedications are one of the most important tools in public health practice. Since the 1980s, self‑medication is of prime public health importance as World Health Organization, in order to reduce the burden on health care professionals changed some prescription drugs to be sold over the counter. Each drug has its own advantages & disadvantages. Hence, always they have to be taken with caution. Considering this a recent trend has increased in surveying the prevalence of self medication. Hence, this review critically evaluated the studies to put a light on basic concept of self medication.Key words: Self medication, Drug abuse, Self care, Substance abuse, Antibiotic usage. 

scholarly journals Behavior of Medical Students toward Over-the-Counter Drugs in Comparison to Students from Other Faculties, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
pp. 129-135
Author(s):  
Amar Fathi Mohamed Khalifa ◽  
Yasser Nabil AlKhudairy ◽  
Adel Ahmed Algahtani ◽  
Bandar Mohammed Abduljabbar ◽  
Fahad Majed Aldawsari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Otc Drugs ◽  
Professional Guidance

Background: Over-the-counter-drugs (OTC) are drugs that can be obtained by patients without a prescription from a physician. In Saudi Arabia, it has been reported that more than half of university students practiced self-medication and used OTC drugs. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study, among medical and non-medical students in Riyadh. The sample size was 421, by systemic random sampling. A pre-coded pre-tested online questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS V 23. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no significant relationship between what the participants were majoring in and the usage of OTC drugs (p value= 0.373). Gender also had no relation with the use of OTC (p value= 0.168). Panadol appeared as the most commonly used OTC drug 62.9% for the relief of the most commonly mentioned factor which is headache 50.12%.  Conclusion: Medical education didn’t have much of an effect on the use of OTC drugs. Moreover, professional guidance or advice was not considered most of the time for taking OTC, but the majority of respondents portrayed good behavior towards usage of OTC.

scholarly journals Evaluate use of over the counter drugs among medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 973
Author(s):  
Megha Sood ◽  
Jagminder Kaur Bajaj ◽  
Nipunjot Grewal
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Care Teaching ◽  
Otc Drugs ◽  
Abdominal Symptoms

Background: In our country there is easy availability of drugs over the counter leading to their unintentional misuse and abuse. Over the counter availability of drugs does offer the benefit of easy access to medicines and allows individuals to become in charge of their own health. It is important to understand that medical education can impact the OTC drug use amongst medical students. In order to observe the pattern of OTC drug use among the first and second professional MBBS students we planned this study. The aim of the study was to evaluate use of over the counter (OTC) drugs among medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: Our study was a cross sectional study conducted on first and second professional MBBS students. Authors administered a self structured, prevalidated questionnaire to the students. The data obtained was tabulated, analyzed and the results calculated in percentages.Results: The use of OTC drugs is common amongst undergraduate students.  All (100%) the students who participated in the study had used OTC drugs at some point in their life. The common conditions prompting use of OTC drugs include head ache, body aches (74%), fever (72%), respiratory conditions such as: cold (60%), cough (28.5%), abdominal symptoms such as: abdominal pain (14%), gastritis (7.5%), diarrhea (6%), vomiting (5%) and allergies (10%). Very few students reported adverse drug reactions with these drugs.Conclusions: From our study we have concluded that OTC drugs are commonly used amongst medical students. So, periodic training and talks on self medication are necessary for them. Student knowledge in this aspect will help them in future counseling of their patients.

Self-medication Pattern and Prevalence Among Iranian Medical Sciences Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nastaran Niroomand ◽  
Mohsen Bayati ◽  
Mozhgan Seif ◽  
Somayeh Delavari ◽  
Sajad Delavari
Keyword(s):  
Medical Science ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Medication Usage ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Negative Results

Background: Self-medication could be risky behavior and has negative effects. While Over the Counter (OTC) drugs are available at drugstores, the behavior has become prevalent among the general population. Objective: This study aimed at surveying self-medication behavior among medical sciences students of Shiraz, Iran. Methods: A sample of 396 students from medical, paramedical, and health sciences disciplines were included in this cross-sectional study. They were asked to fill a questionnaire about their demographics and socioeconomic status, medication usage and self-medication in the last six months, information about the correct use of medication, and information about negative results of selfmedication. Data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test and logistic regression model using R statistical software. Results: Almost 72% of participants reported self-medication in the past sixth months. The main reasons included trust in their own diagnosis (59.9%), mildness of the disease (56.6%), and having previous experience about the disease (56%). Cough or cold (84.5%), headache (66.3%), and body pain (60.2%) were the most frequent diseases that led to self-medication. The majority of the participants (77.7%) reported they select their medicine on their own decision. Furthermore, self-medication was highly related to having medicine stock at home (OR=2.692), having less information about negative results of self-medication (OR=0.835), and more non-syllabus study time (OR=1.041). Conclusions: Although, medical science students have information about the treatment of illnesses, they should be more informed about negative results and side-effects of self-medication. They should also share their knowledge with society to decrease self-medication.

Self-Medication Practices with Antibiotics and Antimalarials Among Sudanese Undergraduate University Students

2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 1249-1255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelmoneim I Awad ◽  
Idris B Eltayeb
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Private University ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Undergraduate University Students ◽  
Study Population

Background: In many developing countries, up to 60–80% of health problems are self-medicated. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and/or antimalarials and identify factors promoting such use among university students in Sudan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed, using a pretested questionnaire on a sample of 1300 students selected from 5 universities in Khartoum State, Sudan. Results: Eight hundred ninety-one (79.5%; 95% CI 77.0 to 81.8) students from the study population had used antibiotics or antimalarials without a prescription within 1–2 months prior to the study. Four hundred ninety (55%; 95% CI 51.7 to 58.3) of the respondents stated that they had used antibiotics, 39 (4.4%; 95% CI 3.2 to 6.0) had used antimalarials, and 362 (40.6%; 95% CI 37.4 to 43.9) had used both. Overall, self-medication with antibiotics or antimalarials was significantly more common among students 21 years of age or older compared with those 20 years of age or younger (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.09; p = 0.004) and among students attending private universities compared with those attending public universities (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.95; p = 0.028). Self-medication with antibiotics followed a simitar pattern, which was significantly more common among students 21 years of age or older (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.81; p = 0.03) and private university respondents (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.02; p = 0.003). Self-medication with antimalarials was found to be significantly less common among females (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.97; p = 0.028) and higher among the 21 years or older age group (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.42 to 2.40; p < 0.001), The most common reason indicated for self-medication was the respondents’ previous experiences with similar ailments. The main source of drugs was community pharmacies. Conclusions: The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics/antimalarials among undergraduate university students in Khartoum State is high. Our findings highlight the need for planning interventions to promote the judicious use of antibiotics/antimicrobials.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study on geriatric depression and its associated risk factors in an urban area of Hyderabad, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Nirmala Nagarada Gadde ◽  
Bhagya Rekha Gogolla ◽  
Vineesh Allenki ◽  
Ravi Babu Damu
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Geriatric Depression ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Mild Depression ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: The geriatric population is increasing with advancements in the health sector all over the world. At the same time, old age tackles physical, mental and social challenges. Mental health of the elderly is least concerned in developing countries, especially depression, which is easy to screen and our study aims to know its burden and associated risk factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2021 and November 2021 among the geriatric population of Mansoorabad, an urban area in Hyderabad, using the short form of geriatric depression scale (GDS) to assess their depression status. Study subjects who met our criteria were selected through simple random sampling. Data collected were entered and analyzed with MS excel software 2007 and Epi info 3.5.3.Results: In our study sample of 161, males were 61 (37.9%), females-100(62.1%). Most of the study subjects were in the age group 60-70 years (137, 85.1%), followed by the 70-80 years age group (24, 14.9%). Nearly 59.6% of subjects had no depression, 19.9% suffered from mild depression, 8.1%-moderately depressed, whereas 12.4%-severely depressed. The mean age of subjects was 65.6 (±5.9) years. Chi-square test was used to study the association of various factors with geriatric depression and age group, and socio-economic status showed a statistically significant association.Conclusions: This study points towards the sensitization of healthcare workers and other subsidiary health personnel at the grassroots level to detect geriatric depression in nascent stages. Many longitudinal follow-up studies are needed to address various aspects of depression. 

scholarly journals Over-the-counter analgesics use is associated with pain and psychological distress among adolescents: a mixed effects approach in cross-sectional survey data from Norway

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rune Jonassen ◽  
Eva Hilland ◽  
Catherine J. Harmer ◽  
Dawit S. Abebe ◽  
Anne Kristine Bergem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Psychological Predictor

Abstract Background Over-the-counter analgesics (OTCA) such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are frequently used by adolescents, and the route of administration and access at home allows unsupervised use. Psychological distress and pain occur simultaneously and are more common among females than among males. There is a dynamic interplay between on-label pain indications and psychological distress, and frequent OTCA use or misuse can exacerbate symptoms. No studies have to date provided an overview of frequent OTCA use in a larger population-based study. The current study used survey data to explore associations between and the relative predictive value of on-label pain indication and measures of psychological distress, together with sex differences for weekly OTCA use. Methods This study included 349,528 adolescents aged 13–19. The data was collected annually between January 2014 and December 2018 as part of the Norwegian Young Data survey. Performance analysis was conducted to explore the relative roles and associations between on-label pain indication and psychological distress in weekly OTCA use. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to explore the unique contributions from four domains of on-label pain indication and psychological distress as measured by a combined measure of anxiety and depression (HSCL-10) and peer-bullying involvement as victims or bullies. Results Thirty percent of females and 13 % of males use OTCA weekly. Headache is the strongest on-label pain predictor of weekly OTCA use, followed by abdominal pain. Depression and anxiety are the strongest psychological predictor of weekly OTCA use, and higher symptom levels and being female increase the strength of this association. Anxiety and depression also predict weekly OTCA use after controlling for physiological pain. Conclusions Sex, pain and anxiety and depression are inter-correlated and strong predictors of frequent OTCA use. Frequent OTCA use in the context of psychological distress may be a form of self-medication that can exacerbate symptoms and decrease psychosocial function. Longitudinal studies that explore causal trajectories between frequent on-label OTCA use and psychological distress are required. OTCA use among adolescents, and particularly among females, with anxiety and depression should be administered with caution and closely monitored.

scholarly journals Health problems in geriatric population of age group ≥70 years in rural Kerala, India: a cross sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 3486
Author(s):  
Sarin S. M. ◽  
Jayasree A. K.
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Population

Background: The proportion of elderly population is increasing considerably world over. The health and socio-economic issues of this section is to be considered separately and in depth insights about them is needed for formulating elderly friendly health policy. This study intends toidentify the important health concerns of elderly population above the age group of 70 years in a rural area in North Kerala, India.Methods: It is a community based cross-sectional descriptive study involving all individuals above the age group of 70 years in a randomly selected panchayath ward from rural North Kerala. The data regarding demography, socioeconomic aspects, medical history, access to health care and treatment of chronic illnesses were collected through interview of study participants by a trained health care volunteer using a pre-validated questionnaire.Results: A total of 93 individuals above the age group of 70 years were included in the study out of which 63% were females and 37% males. In the study population 55.9% of the elderly were widowed and 87.1 % were staying along with their children. Almost 75% of the elderly received social welfare pension from government agencies and 14.3% received service pensions. 67.74% of the study population were hypertensive and 35.56% were diabetic. Other health issues included arthritis, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, genito urinary symptoms and cerebrovascular accident.Conclusion:  The study provide valuable insights into the health and social issues of elderly in Kerala and points to the importance of formulating an elderly friendly health policy in the state.

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