Study on Self-medication Practices among Second Year MBBS Undergraduates

Prevalence of self-medication is common among medical students but they have superficial medical knowledge. Also in India, many drugs are dispensed over the counter (OTC) without prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Hence, this study was planned to assess the knowledge, source of information and rational usage of drugs among 2nd year MBBS students. Data was collected with prevalidated questionnaire consisting of 15 questions related to various aspects like demographic data, prevalence and pattern of use of self-medication. A total of 106 students, 76 (71.7%) Females and 30 (28.3%) Males completed the study. History of self-medication is present in 80 (75.47%) students, 58 (76.31%) females and 22 (73.33%) males. Parents are the main source of drug information (58.75%), analgesics are the most commonly used class of drugs (73.75%), mild-illness is the most common reason for self-medication (61.25%). Other reasons for self-medication include emergency, time-saving, cost-effective. Common cold was the most common indication (26.25%) for self-medication. Common adverse effects during self-medication include dyspepsia, headache, vomiting. Our study reveals that prevalence of self-medication is high (75%) among MBBS 2nd year students with majority restricting the use to treat minor ailments with over the counter (OTC) drugs. Among the OTC drugs used, analgesics are the most common (73%). Medical students should be educated regarding rational use of drugs and dangers of OTC drug usage from the beginning of their curriculum. Keywords: OTC drugs, Self-medication, Medical students, Rational drug use.