Prevalence of self-medication practices and its associated factors in rural Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Authors

  • Hajira Saba I. Department of Community Medicine, Vydehi Institute of medical sciences and research centre, Bangalore, India
  • Shivananda K. S. Department of Community Medicine, Vydehi Institute of medical sciences and research centre, Bangalore, India
  • Mini Jayan Department of Community Medicine, Vydehi Institute of medical sciences and research centre, Bangalore, India
  • C. Althaf Hussain Department of Community Medicine, Vydehi Institute of medical sciences and research centre, Bangalore, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20161615

Keywords:

Self-medication, Rural area, Prevalence, Practices

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is an important concern for health authorities at global level. In developing countries like India most episodes of illnesses are treated by self-medication because of easy availability of a wide range of drugs commercially. Inadequate health services results in increased proportions of drugs used as self-medication compared to prescribed drug.

Methods: Study design of it is a community based cross-sectional study. Study area of the study is rural field practice area, of Vydehi institute of medical sciences and research centre, Bengaluru. Study population is above the age group of 15 years. A total of 269 subjects in the rural area of Vydehi institute of medical sciences and research centre were selected by systematic random sampling method. Subjects were interviewed by using a pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining informed oral consent. Information regarding socio-demographic details, self-medication in the past one year and associated factors were collected.

Results: 26.8% of study population were aged between 26-35 years, out of which 49.4% were males and 50.6% were females, 39.8% had high school level of education, 44.2% were house wives,72.1% belonged to class I socio-economic status, 97% belonged  to Hindu community. Out of the total population, 109 (40.5%) were practicing self-medication. 38.2% were taking medication five or more times in a year.

Conclusions: Self-medication is an important health issue in this area. Health education of the public and regulation of pharmacies may help in limiting the self-medication practices. There may be a larger role for a training programme to empower people about safety and side effects of SM use, to achieve a greater sense of self control.

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Published

2017-01-05

How to Cite

I., H. S., K. S., S., Jayan, M., & Hussain, C. A. (2017). Prevalence of self-medication practices and its associated factors in rural Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 3(6), 1481–1486. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20161615

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Original Research Articles