Self-medication prevalence in medical and allied health students, Malappuram
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Prevalence of self-medication practices among medical & allied health students in malappuram
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Aravind R.S, Abin Chandrakumar and Saleem K.T
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Prevalence of self-medication practices among medical & allied health students in malappuram
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study presented investigates the prevalence and practices of self-medication among medical, pharmacy, nursing, and paramedical students in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Self-medication, defined as diagnosing and treating oneself without a qualified medical consultation, has become a common practice, particularly in developing countries where healthcare access is limited. This research highlights the statistics surrounding self-medication in medical students, exploring the reasons for this trend, the types of medications used, and the implications for healthcare.
High Prevalence of Self-Medication
The study finds that a staggering 94.85% of the surveyed 330 students engage in self-medication to address minor ailments. Headache and nasal congestion were reported as the most common conditions treated through self-medication, with 93.94% of participants citing them. Additionally, a significant number of students (94%) reported using self-medicated treatments not just for themselves but also for family members. The use of common medications included analgesics, antibiotics, and nasal decongestants, indicating a reliance on readily available treatments rather than professional advice.
Sources of Self-Medication Knowledge
A critical finding of the study is the sources of information influencing self-medication practices. Students reported gaining knowledge about self-medication primarily from health magazines, the internet, and textbooks, rather than consulting healthcare professionals. About 45% of participants acknowledged using alternative medicine systems, like Ayurveda, further emphasizing a diverse range of influences on self-medication behaviors. This reliance on non-professional sources raises concerns regarding the adequacy of the information students are acting upon, especially when it concerns the risks of drug interactions and adverse effects.
Risks Associated with Self-Medication
The research also highlights the dangers associated with self-medication practices. While the ease of access to medications drives the prevalence of self-medication, it poses significant risks, including the potential for misdiagnosis, improper treatment regimens, and adverse drug reactions. Among those purchasing antibiotics, a concerning number admitted to not completing their treatment course, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. Additionally, many participants acknowledged being unaware of the risks associated with self-medication, highlighting a gap in education and awareness that must be addressed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, self-medication is a prevalent practice among medical and allied health students in Malappuram, reflecting both the accessibility of medications and a growing trend of self-diagnosis. Though it significantly aids in managing minor health issues, there is an urgent need for educational interventions to inform students about the associated risks and potential public health implications, such as antimicrobial resistance. Incorporating discussions on responsible self-medication into curricula could help develop a more informed approach among future healthcare professionals.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is self-medication, and why is it a concern?
Self-medication involves treating oneself without a doctor's advice, often leading to irrational drug use, antibiotic resistance, and increased healthcare costs. Understanding and regulating self-medication practices are essential to mitigate these risks.
What percentage of medical students in Malappuram practice self-medication?
In the study, 94.85% of the participating medical and allied health students reported practicing self-medication, with common ailments being headaches and nasal congestion.
What are the most commonly used drugs for self-medication?
The study found that the most commonly used drugs for self-medication included nasal decongestants, vitamins, analgesics, and antibiotics, with students frequently self-medicating for headaches and nasal congestion.
What sources do students use for self-medication information?
Students mainly rely on health magazines, the internet, and books for self-medication information. However, there is a concerning lack of awareness about potential drug interactions and side effects.
What are some reasons students prefer self-medication?
Students cited reasons for self-medication including convenience, time savings, and avoiding crowded clinics. Economic factors also play a role in their decision to self-medicate.
How can self-medication practices be improved among students?
Educating students on the risks and potential harms of self-medication, such as antibiotic resistance, should be integrated into their curriculum to promote more responsible practices.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Self-medication prevalence in medical and allied health students, Malappuram”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases. In the context of self-medication, drugs can be over-the-counter or prescription medications that individuals procure and use without professional medical guidance, which raises concerns about safety, efficacy, and potential for misuse.
2) Study (Studying):
Study signifies a systematic investigation aimed at understanding a particular phenomenon or assessing specific practices. In this context, it relates to the examination of self-medication behaviors among health students in Malappuram, providing insights into prevalence, sources of knowledge, and patterns of drug usage across various demographics.
3) Kerala (Keralā):
Kerala is a state in southern India where the study is conducted. Known for its advanced healthcare initiatives, it has a diverse population that may influence self-medication practices. The findings from this region can offer valuable insights into the behaviors of health students in a specific cultural and geographical context.
4) Developing:
Developing refers to countries or regions that are in the process of economic growth and improvement in living standards. These regions often face challenges regarding healthcare access and education, which can lead to increased rates of self-medication due to unregulated drug availability and the high cost of professional healthcare.
5) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-biotic specifies a subclass of drugs used to treat bacterial infections, often indicated in self-medication scenarios. The study highlighted the potential for antibiotic misuse, contributing to antibiotic resistance. Thus, the understanding and awareness of proper antibiotic usage must be a focus in healthcare education.
6) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the information and understanding that individuals possess about health, medications, and treatment options. In the study, students relied on self-gained knowledge from various sources, such as magazines and the internet, to make self-medication decisions, emphasizing the importance of accurate and reliable information in healthcare.
7) Medicine:
Medicine generally refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. It includes a wide range of practices, including the use of pharmacological agents, which can become problematic in self-medication scenarios where individuals bypass professional consultation, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
8) Reason:
Reason denotes the motivations behind individuals' actions. In the context of self-medication, reasons such as convenience, cost-saving, and past experiences influence students' decisions to treat minor ailments without consulting healthcare professionals. Understanding these reasons is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate self-medication risks.
9) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes natural and holistic approaches to health. Approximately 45% of students reported using Ayurveda for self-medication, indicating a significant cultural reliance on alternative systems of medicine and highlighting the need for balanced education regarding the benefits and limitations of different treatment modalities.
10) Relative:
Relative refers to family members or individuals connected by blood or marriage. The study revealed that students are inclined to self-medicate not only themselves but also their relatives, which raises concerns about the dissemination of incorrect medication practices and the potential consequences of uninformed treatment among family members.
11) Family:
Family signifies the primary social unit that often influences individual health behaviors. In the context of self-medication, students expressed a preference for treating ailments within their families, which underscores the importance of health education within familial settings to ensure safe medication practices and informed decision-making around health issues.
12) India:
India serves as the geographical and cultural context for the study. The healthcare landscape in India presents unique challenges characterized by diverse practices and varying levels of access to professional medical care, which directly impacts self-medication prevalence and highlights the need for regulatory frameworks and education in pharmacology.
13) Fever:
Fever is a common ailment that was cited as one of the primary reasons for self-medication among students. The high incidence of self-treatment for fever demonstrates a critical area where education on appropriate treatment practices is necessary, given the potential for mismanagement and complications arising from misuse of medications.
14) Male (Mālē):
Male refers to the gender of participants in the study. The data revealed that self-medication practices and preferences may vary by gender, with males demonstrating a slight tendency towards specific drug categories for ailments. Understanding gender distinctions in healthcare behavior is vital for targeted educational interventions.
15) Table:
Table refers to the structured data presentation within the study, summarizing findings related to self-medication practices among different genders. Tables facilitate the clear comparison of results and enhance the clarity of statistical analysis, making it easier to communicate complex information about self-medication behaviors and drug preferences.
16) Pain (Paiṇ):
Pain is a physiological and emotional condition that drives individuals to seek treatment. In the context of this study, pain relief medications were frequently self-administered by students, highlighting a common justification for self-medication practices. This underscores the importance of understanding pain management education for safe medication use.
17) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analysis and interpretation of research findings. In this study, the discussion section evaluates the implications of self-medication practices among students, delving deeper into factors contributing to these behaviors and their potential impacts on individual and public health, which aids in identifying solutions.
18) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a symptom that can indicate various underlying health issues. It was among the conditions potentially treated through self-medication. Awareness about the causes and appropriate treatments for vomiting is crucial to prevent complications and ensure safe practices in self-medication among health professionals.
19) Disease:
Disease refers to a pathological condition affecting the body or mind. In the study, self-diagnosed diseases frequently prompted students to engage in self-medication practices. This emphasizes the necessity for accurate diagnosis and treatment adherence to minimize risks associated with improper self-medication and enhance health outcomes.
20) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burned refers to a type of injury resulting from heat or chemical exposure. Self-care practices for treating minor burns, such as the application of honey, were noted in the study, demonstrating the propensity for self-treatment and the importance of education on proper first aid and treatment approaches for injuries.
21) Honey:
Honey is often mentioned as a natural remedy for treating burns. Its use in self-medication illustrates the reliance on traditional and home remedies by students. While honey may offer some benefits, proper guidance on treatment efficacy and safety is essential to prevent potential complications from improper self-care.
22) Crowd:
Crowd refers to gatherings, specifically in healthcare settings, which can deter individuals from seeking professional help. In the study, the fear of crowded clinics motivated students to self-medicate. Addressing barriers to healthcare access and enhancing facility efficiency could help reduce self-medication driven by aversion to crowds.
23) Field:
Field generally denotes a specific area of professional expertise or study. In this context, the field of pharmacy practice encompasses the study of drug therapy and patient care. Educating students in this field about the implications of self-medication can foster responsible practices and minimize health risks associated with uninformed drug use.
24) House:
House refers to the home environment where individuals may decide to self-medicate without external consultation. This domestic setting plays a critical role in health behaviors, making it essential to educate families about safe medication practices and the risks associated with self-administration of treatments.
25) Life:
Life pertains to the overall existence and health of individuals. The study highlights the impact of self-medication on students' lives, both positively in terms of convenience and negatively through potential health risks. Promoting awareness and responsible practices is essential to improve life quality and healthcare outcomes for individuals.
26) Fear:
Fear denotes an emotional response that can influence individuals' decisions regarding healthcare. In this context, fear of consulting healthcare professionals due to crowds or stigmas associated with seeking help leads to increased self-medication. Addressing these fears through awareness and education can promote healthier decisions and safety.
27) Line:
Line refers to established protocols or standards in a particular area of study or practice. In the context of this study, the 'line' of proper medication use should involve following medical guidance for health issues. Educating students on these lines can help in fostering appropriate medication practices and reducing health risks.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Self-medication prevalence in medical and allied health students, Malappuram’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurveda, Medical college, First-aid, Economic reason, Adverse drug reaction, Drug Interaction, Demographic Profile, Home remedies, Antimicrobial Resistance, Randomly selected, Cross-sectional survey, Nasal congestion, Over The Counter (OTC), Pharmacy professionals, Pharmacist's role, Self-medication practice, Medical cost, Over the counter drug.