Self-medication Practice of community of Eraviperoor Grama panchayath of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala

Author: Jayakumar K. S., Arul, B. Philip Jacob and Kothai, R.

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Abstract

Self-Medication Practice (SMP) is the habit of consuming medication without a healthcare professional prescription. The key drive of this study is to identify the area of education required to reduce risk among patients on self-medication and to find the type of disease for which self-medication is most commonly practiced. The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted in a community of 250 people in Eraviperoor Grama panchayath of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala for 6 months. From this study it was able to identify that self-medication practice was more among the younger population, even though they know that self-medication is unsafe and their perception is that they are benefited from it. Among the categories of OTC medication that have been preferred for self-medication, it was found that analgesics, analgesics, gastrointestinal medications, antihistamines, and cough syrup were the most popular. Previous experience with the disease was found to be the main motivating factor for self-medication and the feeling that it is simple. Most commonly, self-medication was used for diseases with moderate symptoms that last for more than three days. The patients gather information about the drug only when they buy medication for the first time. Refilling of antimicrobials was done after consultation with a physician or a pharmacist, but this was not practiced in case of lifestyle diseases.

Keywords

Self Medication Practice, Patient counseling, Pathanamthitta, OTC drugs

Conclusion

Insecure use and consumption of drugs can lead to harmful effects such as adverse drug reactions, drug resistance, and unwanted financial expenditure. The attitude of the public towards self-medication such as consideration of disease as simple and taking medication with previous experience without the directions of qualified health care professionals should have to be changed. The public should have to be made aware of the threats of self-medication and emerging antimicrobial resistance for this steps such as seminars or educational campaigns to reduce the irrational use of drugs should have to be conducted.

References

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How to cite this article

Jayakumar K. S., Arul, B. Philip Jacob and Kothai, R. (2023). Self-medication Practice of community of Eraviperoor Grama panchayath of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 787-790.