Abstract :
Introduction: The practice of self-medication is becoming more common worldwide and
currently plays a major role in self-care. The objectives of our study were to determine the
perception and level of awareness, attitude and pattern of self-medication among the medical
students.
Methods: The study was conducted among 464 MBBS students of a medical college of Haryana
using a self-administered questionnaire from March- April, 2016.
Results: 84% participants consumed OTC medications which commonly were supplements and
vitamins followed by painkillers, flu/cough remedies and sore throat products. Easy access,
convenience and time saving were the most frequent reasons for self-medication.
Conclusion: Lack of awareness regarding drug interaction is an issue that warrants further
intervention by increasing the knowledge so as to prevent adverse events from the drugs.
Keyword :
Awareness, Drugs, Over-the-counter, Self-medication