Abstract

A STUDY ON EVALUATION OF SELF MEDICATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT IN EASTERN INDIA

Shanwer Harlalka*, Goutameswar Mazumdar, Uttam Kumar Roy

ABSTRACT

Background: Although noticed in common people, self medication is not expected from undergraduate students of health care system. So, the present study was undertaken to study the pattern and prevalence of self medication among these students. Methods: An observational questionnaire based study was carried out in Burdwan Medical College among healthcare management undergraduate students, including MBBS students of 2nd, 4th & 6th semesters (Group1); and also BDS, BPT and BSc nursing students (Group2). MBBS group consisited of one having no knowledge of pharmacology, i.e., 2nd semester (Group1A) and the other having at least some knowledge of pharmacology, i.e., 4th & 6th semesters (Group1B). Collected data was analysed using chi squared test of independence.Results: 243 out of 298 participants (81.54%) have taken self medication at any point of their life time. Female non-MBBS participants were more involved in self medication, while it was higher in Group1B among MBBS participants. NSAIDs and antibiotics were the two most important self medication used. Two most common reasons for self medication were conventional idea and time saving. Awareness of the extent of hazardous effects was significant among MBBS students. Conclusion: Proper regulatory system must be implemented to minimize dangers of self medication

Keywords: undergraduate; medical; self-medication