Assess the Prevalence of Self-Medication among Individuals in a Selected Community at Thoothukudi
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Self-Medication is harmful to one`s health and is widespread in the country. To reduce the practice of self-medication,people should get sufficient health education.The study was undertaken by the investigator to assess the prevalence of self-medication among individuals in a selected community at Thoothukudi.The samples were selected by purposive sampling method.The sample size was 65 and they were selected based on inclusion criteria.A checklist was used to determine the prevalence of self-medication.The study findings revealed that among 65 samples 69% of samples reported engaging in self-medication, 44% of samples were taking selfmedication for fever and cough, 56% were for cold, 33% were for knee pain, 47% for head ache, 33%for abdominal pain and 29% were for diarrhea.73%were commonly taking Tab.Paracetamol as self-medication, 42% were taking cough syrup, 9% Anti histamine and antibiotics and 16% were taking Tab.Pantoprazole as self-medication.While self-medication may offer short-term relief, the potential long-term risks make it a serious public health issue.Implementing comprehensive health education initiatives is essential to reduce this practice and ensure safer health practices in the community.
Author: Shermila Stella Jeyaraja
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409843873