PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT AT A RURAL PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Self-medication; Rural health; Primary Health Centre; Prevalence; India; Antibiotic misuse.
Abstract
Self-medication, the use of medicines without professional advice, is a common global phenomenon. In developing countries like India, it is especially prevalent in rural settings due to limited healthcare access and easy drug availability. This study assessed the prevalence, pattern, and determinants of self-medication among patients attending the outpatient department (OPD) of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) in a rural block of Jammu & Kashmir, India.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted over 5 months (August–December 2022) among 215 adult OPD attendees selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected through a pretested questionnaire by medical officers. Sociodemographic data, details of self-medication, and awareness regarding drug safety were recorded. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis.
Results: Of the 215 participants, 60.5 % had self-medicated in the past 12 months, and 39.5 % in the past 3 months. Common indications included headache (68.5 %), fever (54.6 %), musculoskeletal pain (40.8 %), and cough/cold (35.4 %). The most frequently used drugs were analgesics/NSAIDs (72.3 %), antipyretics (51.5 %), cough/cold preparations (22.3 %), and antibiotics (15.4 %). Pharmacists (46.2 %) were the main source of drugs. Major reasons for self-medication were minor illness (54.6 %), time-saving (48.5 %), prior experience (40.8 %), and quick relief (30 %). Awareness of antibiotic resistance was poor (13 %). Higher education was significantly associated with self-medication (OR 1.95, 95 % CI 1.12–3.41, p = 0.018).
Conclusion: Self-medication is common among OPD attendees at this rural PHC. Low awareness of risks and notable antibiotic use highlight the need for public education, regulation of drug dispensing, and strengthened counseling at primary care level.
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Dr. Hibba Dar
Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Dr. Iram Kahkashan
Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Dr. Suhaib Qayoom
Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
Dr. Zaid Bin Feroz
Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh