A STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF SELF MEDICATION PATTERN FOR PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL AND DENTAL STUDENTS IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN TELANGANA

PUDUTHA MADHAVI; N. KARUNASREE; GAUTHAM S. N.; GUDURU NARAYANA PRUDHVI RAJ

doi:10.22159/ijpps.2024v16i10.51783

Authors

PUDUTHA MADHAVI Department of Pharmacology, Osmania Medical College, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8897-6460
N. KARUNASREE Department of Pharmacology, Osmania Medical College, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6412-1213
GAUTHAM S. N. Department of Pharmacology, Osmania Medical College, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5853-7224
GUDURU NARAYANA PRUDHVI RAJ Department of Pharmacology, Osmania Medical College, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2620-3209

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijpps.2024v16i10.51783

Keywords:

Primary dysmenorrhoea (PD), Self-medication, Over-the-counter drugs (OTC)

Abstract

Objective: To study the prevalence of self-medication by using over-the-counter drugs and non-pharmacological methods for primary dysmenorrhoea.

Methods: A Cross-sectional descriptive study using a self-developed and structured questionnaire as a tool was conducted among medical and dental students with dysmenorrhoea and in the age group of 18-22 y. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-Square test.

Results: Out of 203 respondents, 30% were self-medicated by using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and 70% have treated themselves by non-pharmacological methods like taking rest and applying hot fomentation on the abdomen. Among the OTC, 56% of them used a single drug and 44% used a combination of drugs. The most commonly used single drug was mefenamic acid and the most commonly used combination of drugs was mefenamic acid+dicyclomine hydrochloride. Out of those respondents taking OTC only 5% sought gynaecologist advice. A significant number of students were taking rest [Chi-square value = 66.84 p<0.01 highly significant], losing attendance in their academics.

Conclusion: Primary Dysmenorrhoea (PD) affects young girls irrespective of the regularity of cycles. The prevailing self-medication pattern is inappropriate; a substantial proportion of girls have inadequate knowledge regarding treatment and the need for gynecologist consultation.

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