To estimate the prevalence of self medication in rural areas of Medak District of Telangana

Santosh Kumar Banjara; Kavitha Devi Bhukya

Volume : IV, Issue : XI, November - 2014

To estimate the prevalence of self medication in rural areas of Medak District of Telangana

Santosh Kumar Banjara, Kavitha Devi Bhukya

Abstract :

Background: Many of the studies have shown the prevalence and nature of self–medication. Self–medication is an age old practice. World Health Organization promotes the practice of self–medication for effective and quick relief of symptoms without medical consultations to reduce the burden on health–care services, which are often understaffed and inaccessible in rural and remote areas. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the extent and pattern of self–medication among the population (patients) attending pharmacies at study sites. Subjects and Methods: The present study was a community based cross sectional study aimed to gather information about the prevalence of self–medication in the rural areas of Medak District of Telangana from March 2014 to September 2014. The sample size comprised of 1200 patients. Statistical Analysis: Data were collected through a prepared questionnaire. All descriptive data were coded, entered and analyzed using the statistical package for Social sciences program version 17.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive data analysis was conducted and reported as frequencies and percentage. Results: The percentage of patients who were seeking self–medication was approximately 80% (1200/1500). Most of the patients were seeking self–medication for headache and other pain (23.3% [280/1200]), fever (14.5% [174/1200]), urinary tract infections (9.7% [116/1200]) and respiratory tract infections (11.7% [140/1200]). The drugs most commonly purchased for practicing self–medication were non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (25.3% [304/1200]), medications used for gastro intestinal problems (20.8% [250/1200]) and antibiotics (16.7% [200/1200]). Conclusion: Prevalence of self–medication was high primarily among illiterate males. Patient health awareness programs and pharmacist continuing education are necessary for controlling self–medication. There is a need for planning interventions to promote rational self–medication through mass medias such as newspaper, magazine, TV