Evaluation of analgesic self-medication pattern among under-graduate medical students of Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, BG Nagar, Karnataka: a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.
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Date
2015-05
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Abstract
Background: Self-medication with analgesics is widely practiced among medical
students. Self-medication is defined as “the selection and use of medicines by
individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms.” It assumes a special
significance among the undergraduate medical students as they are aware of the
available analgesic medications. Our study would evaluate the pattern of analgesic
self-medication among undergraduate medical students of Adichunchanagiri Institute
of Medical Sciences (AIMS), BG Nagar.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was done from January
to March 2014 among undergraduate medical students, AIMS, BG Nagar. 218
students consented for the study out of 250 students and filled in the questionnaire.
20 incomplete questionnaires were excluded and the remaining 198 were analyzed.
Results: Our study showed that 63.6% of the students practiced analgesic selfmedication.
68.2% sought self-medication for headache followed by body pain
(9.7%), low backache (5.1%), fever (4.5%) and joint pain (3.8%). Paracetamol
was used by 47.2%, diclofenac by 20.5%, ibuprofen by 7.5%, aspirin by 6.8%, and
aceclofenac by 4.1%. Self-medication was based on the use of previous prescriptions
in 42.1% of the students and textbook knowledge in 39.1% of the students. 26.4%
students complained that pain reduced concentration in studies. 61.6% students stated
the mild nature of illness as the reason for self-medication. 91.9% of the students
felt that self-medication is a part of self-care. 61.2% of the students were aware of
the side-effects of the analgesic medications.
Conclusion: Our study shows that self-medication with analgesics is high among the
undergraduate medical students of this institute. Although it is an easy way to treat
mild to moderate pain, it may be accompanied with side effects, drug interactions, and
toxicities. Hence, we conclude that there is a need to create awareness, and educate
the students regarding the possible harmful effects of self-medication with analgesics.
Description
Keywords
Self-medication, Analgesics, Undergraduate medical students, Side effects, Drug interactions, Toxicities
Citation
Shivamurthy Shwetha, Manchukonda Ravishankar, Gurappanavar Deepika. Evaluation of analgesic self-medication pattern among under-graduate medical students. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. 2015 May-Jun; 4(3): 438-441.