scholarly journals Prevalence and pattern of self-medication among undergraduate students in a medical college of Kolkata

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. 3619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayita Pal ◽  
Shamshad Ahmad ◽  
Promiti Pal ◽  
Debarun Chatterjee
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Adverse Drug Reactions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Drug Reactions ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College

Background: Self-medication is quite a prevalent public health problem in every part of the world. It can cause serious harms to the recipients through various implications like adverse drug reactions, incomplete cure, drug dependence etc. Medical students are in a unique position for wide practice of self-medication. The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence and to find out the existing knowledge, attitude and pattern of practice regarding self-medication among the undergraduate medical students of ESIC Medical College, Joka, Kolkata. Methods: A cross-sectional study had been conducted among 300 undergraduate medical students through an online survey with the help of a predesigned pretested digital questionnaire. The participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included by complete enumeration method after taking informed consent. Results: The overall prevalence of ever-use of self-medication was 65%. Majority had some knowledge about actual definition of self-medication (74%), hazards due to change of time schedule of antibiotics (59.7%), hazards due to increase in dose of antibiotics (64%), adverse drug reactions of different antibiotics (65%) and importance of completing the dosage schedule of antibiotics (56.7%); the most common source of their information being textbooks or teachers (74%). Most common indications for self-medication were fever (79.6%), followed by cough and cold (74.8%), pain (61.4%), indigestion (51.3) and diarrhoea (43.3%). The most common drugs used were antacids (81.2%), analgesics (72.1%), antipyretics (53.2%) and antibiotics (43.3%). The major reason for practice of self-medication was minor illness (74.3%). Conclusions: Self-medication was widely prevalent among the medical students of ESIC Medical College, Joka, Kolkata. Continuous counselling activities with proper information through inclusion of this topic to academic course are the need of the hour to halt this malpractice. 

scholarly journals PREVALENCE, PRACTICE, PERCEPTION OF SELF-MEDICATION PATTERN AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

2021 ◽  
pp. 11-13
Author(s):  
DIVYA GOEL
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Adverse Drug Reactions ◽  
Situation Awareness ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Drug Reactions ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Individual

Objective: The use of drugs (prescription as well as non-prescription by the individual for treating self-diagnosed conditions/symptoms is a practice prevalent all around the world, though the extent, the reason may vary. The practice of self-medication is increasingly becoming a part of self-care. If practiced properly and with the authentic knowledge of drugs, it can save resources such as time and money. However, its improper use may lead to various health problems like adverse drug reactions, prolonged suffering, and drug-dependence and increase resistance among various pathogens. It has many implications, especially among medical students who have some knowledge and exposure to drugs and can present a serious threat to professionalism in medicine and it has the potential to put at risk public trust into this profession. The aim of this research was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among medical students. Methods: Research was performed as a cross-sectional study and it included 150, 2nd year (4th semester) students of a medical college. Students filled out a questionnaire created for the purpose of this research and consisted of both open-ended and close-ended questions about demographic and self-medication Consenting students anonymously filled the questionnaire. Questions about self-medication were related to the period of the previous three months. Results: Out of 150 filled questionnaires, data of 126 were analysed as twenty-four Questionnaires were incomplete. 90.47%% medical students were found to practice self-medication. Symptoms for which they took the drugs for self-medication were fever (49.68%) followed by headache, common cold/cough and pain abdomen. Drugs taken by them for self-medication were Paracetamol (85.79%), antibiotics (77.54%), analgesics, Antihistaminic and cough suppressants. Ease (43.65%) was cited as the main reason for self-medication by the respondents. Most common source of drug information was their experience in the past illness (54.03%) Of the respondents 90.48% knew about adverse drug reactions and 93.65% knew about drug-drug interactions. Conclusion: This study shows that the practice of self-medication is rampant among medical students of the institute. In this situation, awareness should be created toward appropriate antibiotic usage and the practice of responsible self-medication needs to be promoted among future healthcare providers. Furthermore, stringent implementation of laws governing the sale of prescription medicines can help in limiting the self-medication practice.

scholarly journals Knowledge and perceptions towards COVID-19 among final year undergraduate medical students and interns in Province 2, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 22-34
Author(s):  
Jay Narayan Shah ◽  
Binay Kumar Panjiyar ◽  
Sushma Sah ◽  
Sabita Sah ◽  
Jenifei Shah
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College

Introduction: Corona Virus Disease-19, the COVID-19, has become a pandemic of public health concern, more so for developing countries like Nepal with an inadequate and vulnerable health system. Among all the seven provinces of the country, Province-2 seems to be at higher risk due to population density and open porous border with neighboring India. This survey was conducted among the undergraduate medical students of medical colleges in Province-2, Nepal to evaluate their knowledge and perception regarding the prevention and spread of the virus. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2020 among final-year undergraduate medical students and interns from Janaki Medical College in Janakpur and National Medical College in Birgunj of Province-2, Nepal. A structured 30-item questionnaire containing demographics (5 items), knowledge (15 items), and perception (10 items) regarding COVID-19 was used for an online survey via email. Ethical approval was taken. Descriptive analysis was performed. Result: A total of 200 out of 250 respondents (>95%) had an adequate level of knowledge on etiology, symptoms, hand hygiene, severity, vulnerability, precautionary measures, and treatment guidelines of COVID-19. More than 80% were ready to work in the hospital during the pandemic with support from their family and nearly half of them (49%) perceived that the preparedness and supplies were sufficient in their institutions. Conclusion: The survey revealed that the majority of the final-year medical students and interns in Province-2 Nepal had adequate knowledge and perception regarding COVID-19.

Prevalence, practice and pattern of self-medication among medical students in Al-Iraqia Medical College, Baghdad, Iraq

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (o3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nawar Sahib Khalil ◽  
Reem Ali Haddad ◽  
Israa Talib Hassan2 ◽  
Ruqaya Subhi Tawfeeq
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Minor Illness ◽  
One Year ◽  
Source Of Information

Introduction: Self-medication is increasingly being a common practice worldwide more so amongst the medical students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication among the medical students and to describe the self-reported practice and pattern of medication by undergraduate medical students at Al-Iraqia University in Baghdad city. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional survey. Out of 440 students enrolled, 400 (>90%) responded. The data was collected using self-administrated pretested questionnaire and then analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. Results: During the last one year preceding the study, 85% of respondents using self-medication mostly among single students (98.2%), aged 20+ years old (56.5%), in fourth academic level (27.1%), living with their families (73.2%) and of non-sufficient income (54.7%). The main indication for seeking self-medication include headache as reported by 83.8% followed by cold and cough and fever 80.3% and pain elsewhere in body (70%). Drugs commonly used for self-medication included analgesics 89.4% and anti-pyretic 67.9%. Minor illness was the most common reason for self-medication (80.6%). 56.8% and 45% of respondents follow pharmacist and textbooks respectively as a source of information in practicing self-medication. Most of respondents practiced self-medication for themselves (57.9%) and for both; themselves and their family members (45%). Some level of awareness was reported among non-practiced self-medication students; 60% of them were afraid from risk of adverse reaction of drugs. Conclusion: Self-medication is broadly practiced among medical students in this College. Therefore, there is need to improve the medical educational program to raise the awareness level regarding the advantage and disadvantages of self-medication to ensure safe usage of drugs.

Self-medication Practice Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Nepalgunj Medical College, Chisapani

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-70
Author(s):  
Ankita Singh ◽  
Dhabal Bahadur Dhami ◽  
Ritesh Singh ◽  
Gaurav Jung Shah
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Situation Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Self ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medication Practice ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Pros And Cons

Introduction: Self-medication forms an essential part of the self-care. Since medical students are being exposed to the knowledge of diseases and drugs, would assume a special significance to assess the self-medication practice among them. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from March to April 2018 in 200 preclinical medical students of Nepalgunj Medical College (NGMC), Chisapani. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and the students who took self-medication within last two months were included. Result: Out of 200 students, 123 (61.5%) were found practicing self-medication. Majority of students (47.97%) were taking Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for fever (18.70%), headache (17.89%) and abdominal pain (13.01%). 21.14% of students were consuming paracetamol for these health ailments. 44.72% of students reported that they were practicing self-medication because of the mild nature of illness. Conclusion: Students are widely practicing self-medication, particularly NSAIDs group of drugs. In this situation, awareness about the pros and cons of self-medication should be must in the medical students.

scholarly journals Self-medication practices of over the counter analgesics among first and third semester undergraduate medical students in a tertiary care medical college, Jharkhand

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2614
Author(s):  
Kusum Kumari ◽  
Manju Gari ◽  
Mary Sunita Toppo ◽  
Ira Anupama Soreng ◽  
Priyanki .
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Indian Population ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Source Of Information

Background: Self-medication is a widely practiced trend in the general Indian population. Among the medical students, self- medication is popular because of awareness about the disease and their treatment. Analgesics are one of the most common drugs used for self-medication. Very few studies are available in Jharkhand regarding this subject. So, the present study aims to delve into the pattern of self-medication practices of analgesics among the 1st and 3rd semester medical students of RIMS, Ranchi, Jharkhand.Methods: A questionnaire based cross sectional study was done in RIMS, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India in March-April 2019 among the undergraduate medical students. The results were expressed as percentage and frequency.Results: Out of total 150 and 142 students in the 1st and 3rd semester respectively, 140 and 130 students practiced self- medication.  Advice from seniors was the biggest source of information in both the groups followed by internet and books. Paracetamol was the most common drug (75%; 60%) and headache was the most common indication (55%; 68%). Quick relief of symptoms was the most common reason for self-medication in both the groups (44%; 48%).Conclusions: In both the groups, the students continued the drug even after experiencing side effects (77%; 60%). Most students were of the view that such practice is not acceptable at all times (75%; 72%).

scholarly journals Knowledge and perception towards pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions reporting among medical students at a teaching hospital in South India

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 866
Author(s):  
Akshay J. K. ◽  
Hemanth Kumar K. H.
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Adverse Drug Reactions ◽  
Drug Reactions ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Health Care Students ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Adr Reporting ◽  
Ensure Patient Safety ◽  
Second Year

Background: Pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions monitoring has become an integral part to ensure patient safety. Targeting the younger doctors for sensitization towards pharmacovigilance is the key to ensure practice of ADR reporting in clinical practice. The objective of the study is to understand and assess the knowledge and perception of students towards pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reactions reporting.Methods: The study included undergraduate medical students of second, pre-final and final years of Mysore Medical College. A validated and standardized KAP based questionnaire was distributed to all students. Willingness to answer and complete the questionnaire was considered as consent.Results: The questions were statistically analysed individually and compared. Q1-Q10 compared knowledge towards pharmacovigilance, Q11-Q20 on the attitude and Q21-Q23 on the practice of ADR reporting. 325 questionnaires were distributed of which only 280 consented (second year - 114, pre-final - 98, final - 68). 112(49.1%), 137(69.9%) and 79(58.1%) of the three groups respectively knew what pharmacovigilance and ADR is. 79.8%, 76.5% and 75% knew who can report ADRs while 18.4%, 32.7% and 33.8% did not know what ADRs to report. 73(64.1%); 93(81.6%), 18(18.4%); 69(70.4%), 13(19.1%); 37(54.4%) knew the existence of AMC in the institute and the PvPI respectively. More than 92% agreed that ADR reporting is necessary. Majority (>90%) agreed that PV and ADR reporting should be taught to all health care students while 28%, 30% and 54% said that it was not well covered in their curriculum.73(64%), 51(52%) and 63(93%) were not familiar with the ADR reporting form.Conclusions: Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting needs to be made compulsory, have better, interesting ways to learn and understand it, so that the students can practice it with confidence in their clinical practice.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study on self-medication practice and attitude towards self-medication among medical students of GMERS Medical College, Valsad

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 3585
Author(s):  
Hinaben R. Patel ◽  
Ravikant R. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medication Practice ◽  
Medical College ◽  
The Common ◽  
Source Of Information

Background: Self-medication is becoming a most prevalent practice among educated people across the world. In today’s era, internet and media is one of the most important sources for promoting self-medication practice. Medical students are highly influenced with this practice as their future medical preference and the fact that medical students find themselves having more knowledge about drugs this may lead to irrational usage of drugs. Aim and Objectives of the study were conducted to know the 1. Self-medication practices among medical students 2. Common, indications and reasons for self-medication practice. 3.Attitude of medical students towards self-medication practice.Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of GMERS Medical College Valsad. The study was carried out in the months of October to December 2017. Medical students of first and final year MBBS participated voluntarily in this study after being briefed in detail about the goals & method of the study.Results: In this study, 91.50% of medical students were practiced self-medication. The common indication for self-medication was fever (76.50%) and cough (75.96%). Acquaintances (67.76%) are main source of information for self-medication. Common reasons they know the medicine (78.14%) and previous exposure (64.48%). 12.5% student perceived self-medication is harmless and 21.0% of medical students advise other to take self-medication.Conclusions: It was concluded that more than half of strength of students practice self-medication for various illnesses; the reason might be the awareness of drugs due to easy accessibility of information through books, internet as well as availability of medicine without prescription from pharmacist. So, essential measure should be taken to reduce the practice of self-medication among students to avoid development of drug dependence, resistance and drug interactions.

scholarly journals A cross sectional questionnaire based study on self medication practice of analgesics among MBBS students at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 633
Author(s):  
Shanmukananda P. ◽  
Shwetha H. ◽  
Veena D. R. ◽  
Poorvi M.
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Antiinflammatory Drugs ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Perception Of Self

Background: Self medication with analgesics is prevalent worldwide due to easy procurement of over the counter drugs. Present study was done to assess knowledge, attitude, practice and perception of self medication of analgesics among MBBS students at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 5th term MBBS students of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru in November 2019.  A pre-designed validated questionnaire was used to collect information on knowledge, attitude, practice and perception of self medication of analgesics. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: 83.3 % of 5th term MBBS students practiced self medication with analgesics. Majority of students had some knowledge on self medication with analgesics. Common reason for using analgesic self medication was headache (59.7%) and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (90%) were commonly used analgesics. Analgesics were used for quick relief (73.3%) and source of information was from medical textbooks (61.6%). Students stopped taking analgesics after symptoms disappeared (75%). Students agreed that self medication is acceptable for medical students (63.3%) and medical license is required for better administration of drugs (51.3%).Conclusions: This study has found that self medication with analgesics was common among undergraduate medical students for minor illness. It is necessary to create awareness and educate students regarding dangers of analgesic self medication.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Self-Medication With Painkillers Among Iraqi Medical Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Ahmed Al-Imam ◽  
Marek A. Motyka ◽  
Mahmoud Mishaal ◽  
Shireen Mohammad ◽  
Nooralhuda Sameer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Analgesic Use

BACKGROUND: The use of painkillers is widespread worldwide, some people experience unwanted side effects, and some may overuse them. Self-medication is the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses and collateral symptoms.   OBJECTIVES: We aim to determine the prevalence and pattern of self-medication with painkillers among a population of undergraduate medical students in Baghdad. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study, via convenient sampling, among 502 medical students (n=502) from the University of Baghdad, Al-Mustansirya University, Al-Kindy University, Al-Nahrain University, and Al-Iraqia University. We distributed an anonymous online questionnaire to the students. The survey included questions on demographic variables and information on self-medicating with painkillers during the academic year of 2018-2019. RESULTS: The prevalence of use of painkillers was 68.73%, 73% were females, and 27% were males. There was a statistically significant association between gender and the use of analgesics. Still, there was no statistically significant association between the academic level of students and analgesic use. The frequency of analgesic use per month was less than once (34.5%) of the participants, 1-3 times (37.1%), 4-6 times (14.2%), 7-9 times (7%), 10-12 times (3.1%), and more than 13 times (4%) of the participants. Most of the respondents (68%) reported that there was no difference in use between regular college days and exam days. The most common cause of use was headache (71%) for males and females, while dysmenorrhea was the second most common cause among female participants (36%). The most common source of information about analgesics relied on by the respondents was from friends (50.1%), family members, pharmacists, textbooks, the internet, and nurses. The most commonly used drug was Acetaminophen. CONCLUSION: Self-medication with analgesics is highly prevalent among undergraduate medical students in Baghdad, and we need to raise the awareness of the public on the potentials of addictive behavior.

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