Background

The study was done to evaluate various aspects of self–medication in medical students. Self‐medication results in increases resistance of pathogens and generally causes serious health hazards such as adverse drug reactions, prolonged suffering and drug dependence. This study is done to determine the reasons for self‐medication and the pattern of self‐medication among medical students.

Method

A prospective, cross–sectional, questionnaire–based study was carried out among 120 medical students selected by simple random sampling. This study was done at T.S.M. Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, UP. The participants were medical students from second year. Medical students were selected through convenience sampling. The data was collected using a pre‐tested semi‐structured questionnaire. Data observed was analysed showing percentage figures.

Results

A total of 120 students, 66 (55%) females and 54 (45%) males, were included in the study. Of the medical students surveyed, self‐medication was reported among 89.5%. The respondents who used self‐medication found it to be timesaving in providing relief from minor ailments. The most common ailments for which self‐medication were used were: the fever (70%), common cold (65%), headache (30%) and cough (30%).