ABSTRACT

Background: Self-medication is a practice, growing in an alarming rate, where person treat their own disease condition with medicines, available as over the counter drug (OTC) without prescription. This may lead frequently polypharmacy and several harmful consequences, affecting the quality of life. Present study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence and knowledge of self medication and polypharmacy among common people and effect of health profession in their perception. Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey in which an online survey was conducted among the common people during a period of total two months with a predesigned questionnaire. A comparative evaluation was done among the people who were somewhat associated with healthcare profession with others. Results: The study revealed that 52% of the healthcare associates and 47% of non- healthcare associates responded negatively towards self-medication practice. A good finding was evaluated from the present study that most of the common people check the contraindication and expiry date of medicine before intake. The perception of the common people revealed the proper use of medicine and as per physician’s were advice. The people who by themselves or their family member involved in health profession are more aware about proper medicine use than the common people. Conclusion: The present study revealed that there was an adequate knowledge of self medication among common people, which can be a positive direction for the society. More awareness and healthcare promotion will be beneficial for the common people for better therapeutic compliance and in turn reducing the healthcare burden in the society. Keywords: Self-medication, healthcare, awareness, perception
Publication date: 01/05/21

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2021/May/MS_IJBPAS_2021_5475.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2021/10.5.5475