Survey on common trends for non-prescribed medication use among the young generation in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A cross sectional study

M. Imran Nur Manik; Alam Khan; M. Hazrat Ali; Abu Zobayed; M. Monirul Islam

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20210788

Authors

M. Imran Nur Manik Department of Pharmacy, Northern University Bangladesh, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
Alam Khan Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
M. Hazrat Ali Department of Pharmacy, Northern University Bangladesh, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
Abu Zobayed Department of Pharmacy, Northern University Bangladesh, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
M. Monirul Islam Department of Pharmacy, Northern University Bangladesh, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20210788

Keywords:

Bangladesh, DSCC, Non-prescribed medicine, Young generations

Abstract

Background: Use of drugs without prescription is a worldwide phenomenon especially among the general people in the developing countries. Alarmingly the use of medication without prescriptions among the young generations for longer duration is increasing day by day. The study was meant to evaluate the prevalence of non-prescribed medications among the young generations living in the capital of Bangladesh.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional survey conducted in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) from September-November, 2019. Data was collected from patients having self-administration of drugs with semi-structured questionnaire in English and analysed applying descriptive statistics.

Results: The study revealed the occurrence of non-prescription medication use among 75% of the respondents (N=400). The participants were students (67%), service holder (19%) and housewife (9%). Male and female were 49% and 51%; aged between 15-35 years (average 25.8 years). Mostly used medication groups were NSAIDs (34%), antacids (24%) and antibiotics (17%). Duration was more than one year 206 (69%) and from six to twelve months 94 (31%). The compliance reported as better (62.33%) and extremely good (34.33%). The crucial diseases treated were fever (27.73%), gastric acidity (22.13%), headache and other pains (15.13%), dysentery and diarrhea (8.68%) and allergy (8.40%). Interestingly 42% participants suggested their medication to others.

Conclusions: In the young generation occurrence of non-prescribed medication is highest amidst the students. The authority should assure rational use of medications. The DGDA may campaign against the haphazard use of medicines involving the young generations.

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