KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES IN AN URBAN COMMUNITY

VARGHESE SNEHA SUJA; SNEHA DUTTA; ANN MARY SWAROOP

doi:10.22159/ajpcr.2019.v12i18.33721

Authors

VARGHESE SNEHA SUJA Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3700-6740
SNEHA DUTTA Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
ANN MARY SWAROOP Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2019.v12i18.33721

Keywords:

Self-medication,, Knowledge,, Attitude,, Prevalence,, Community

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted with the aim to assess the knowledge and attitude of self-medication practices among the residents of an urban community.

Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted among 270 participants for the duration of 6 months using a semi-structured questionnaire which consisted of the domains of knowledge and attitude. Logistic regression was used for drawing statistical inferences.

Results: The prevalence of self-medication was found to be 37.04%. It was found that 73.33% of the respondents were aware of the term “self-medication” and their major source for information was obtained through acquaintances (44.44%). About 68.55% of the participants agreed that self-medication is a part of taking care of oneself and it needs to be encouraged. Overall, the participants had a good knowledge and positive attitude toward the practice of self-medication.

Conclusion: This study mainly focuses on improving the subjects’ knowledge, thereby bringing changes in the attitude and practice toward disease management. Understanding the subjects’ level of knowledge and attitude will enable a more efficient process for creating an awareness among the public to ensure its safe and responsible use.

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Author Biography

VARGHESE SNEHA SUJA, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice

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