Prevalence of self-medication in rural area of Andhra Pradesh
RozaG Bhaisare, GauravM Rangari, Venkatasandhya Korukonda, YLakshmi Chaitanya, N Hanumanth
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The consumption of medicine without consulting a doctor is called self-medication. In the recent decade, the prevalence of self-medication was increased mainly in the developing countries. The reason varies from the nonavailability of doctors to economical reason. But people are not aware of the side effects and interactions of drugs. This is risky behavior and may lead to death. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence and various reasons, sources, and common drugs used for self-medication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Among 166 subjects, the majority (58.4%) of participants were in the age group between 18-30 and most of them were female 142 (85.5%). The prevalence of self-medication was 68.1%. The main source of self-medication was directly from the pharmacy, that is, pharmacists (72.6%). Analgesics were commonly (85%) self-medicated drug. The main indication for self-medication was headache (78.8%) and fever (66.4%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self-medication was high and which is hazardous to health. This needs prompt legislative action.