Self-medication patterns and attitudes in community pharmacy users
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Pattern and attitudes of self medication practice of people attending community pharmacies
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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Original source:
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C. S. Manju, Ihjaz Pichan, B. Anish and Muhammed Shajeel P.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Pattern and attitudes of self medication practice of people attending community pharmacies
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Self-medication is a growing practice globally, defined by the World Health Organization as the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms. While self-medication can offer convenience and immediate relief for minor ailments, it bears inherent risks due to the potential for incorrect self-diagnosis, inappropriate medication usage, and adverse drug interactions. This research aims to investigate the patterns and attitudes towards self-medication among individuals visiting community pharmacies in Calicut, Kerala, highlighting the reasons, sources of information, and prevalence of self-medication.
Patterns of Self-Medication
The study revealed a significant prevalence of self-medication, with approximately 76.86% of participants utilizing medicines without a doctor's prescription. The primary motivations for self-medication were identified as previous experience with medications and a lack of time to consult a healthcare professional. Interestingly, a considerable proportion of self-medicating customers fell into the young adult age group of 18-30 years, reflecting a trend where busy schedules lead individuals to seek expedited solutions for minor health issues, often relying on community pharmacies as their first point of contact.
Sources of Medication and Information
The findings indicated that medical shops served as the main source of medications, with 75.80% of participants acquiring their medicines from these establishments. Most customers relied on pharmacists for guidance, demonstrating an existing relationship built on trust and accessibility. Previous experiences with medications were cited as the critical source of information guiding their choices. This reliance on familiar medications rather than professional medical advice raises concerns about the potential for inappropriate self-diagnosis and ineffective treatment strategies.
Attitudes Towards Self-Medication
Attitudinal analysis revealed that a significant 89.88% of customers expressed satisfaction with their self-medication practices, primarily due to the convenience it provides for treating minor ailments. Participants predominantly viewed self-medication as beneficial, especially for previously experienced conditions and minor illnesses. Although the majority did not encounter problems with self-medication, a small percentage reported issues such as non-cured ailments, which highlights the need for continuous education and dialogue between patients and pharmacists regarding correct medication practices.
Conclusion
In summary, while the prevalence of self-medication among community pharmacy customers is notable, driven by factors such as previous experience and time constraints, it poses various risks including incorrect self-diagnosis and potential drug interactions. The study emphasizes the importance of enhancing communication between customers and pharmacists to ensure safe self-medication practices. Greater awareness and education regarding the risks and responsible use of over-the-counter medications are essential for minimizing adverse outcomes in self-medication scenarios.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is self-medication and its common occurrence?
Self-medication is acquiring and using medicines without a prescription. It occurs globally, particularly in both developed and developing countries, often for minor ailments, and can involve using leftover medicines, sharing drugs, or consulting with pharmacists.
What was the main finding regarding self-medication prevalence?
The study found a high prevalence of self-medication at 76.86%. Many individuals self-medicate due to previous experiences with medications and a lack of time for professional consultations.
What are the most common reasons for self-medication?
The primary reasons include previous experience with medications (53.82%) and lack of time (48.64%). Individuals tend to rely on their past experiences rather than consulting healthcare professionals.
What types of illnesses are most commonly treated by self-medication?
The primary illnesses treated through self-medication include fever, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, colds, coughs, and minor pains. Such conditions are often perceived as non-serious and don't warrant a doctor's visit.
What role do pharmacists play in the self-medication process?
Pharmacists act as a crucial source of information for self-medication. They assist customers in selecting appropriate medications and provide advice based on the customer's symptoms and previous medication experiences.
What are the risks associated with self-medication?
Risks include incorrect self-diagnosis, severe adverse reactions, dangerous drug interactions, and neglecting to seek professional medical advice when necessary. Such practices may lead to ineffective treatment or health complications.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Self-medication patterns and attitudes in community pharmacy users”. 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) Medicine:
Medicine refers to substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent illness. The study highlights self-medication behavior where individuals purchase medicines without a doctor's consultation, often influenced by previous experiences. Effective use of medicine can alleviate minor health issues, but improper self-diagnosis or lack of professional advice can lead to adverse effects.
2) Disease:
Disease indicates a condition affecting the normal functioning of an organism. The study discusses common diseases prompting self-medication, such as fever and gastrointestinal problems. Understanding the nature of diseases is critical in self-medication practices, as misdiagnosis can result in ineffective treatment and complications, emphasizing the need for proper knowledge.
3) Drug:
Drug denotes a specific substance or product utilized for therapeutic purposes. In self-medication, individuals often select drugs based on prior experiences or advice from pharmacists. The distinction between over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications can significantly affect self-medication practices, necessitating awareness regarding appropriate drug usage for different conditions.
4) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the research conducted to analyze self-medication patterns among pharmacy attendees. It employed structured questionnaires and direct interviews to gather data on various factors, including reasons for self-medication and associated problems. Findings from this study can provide insights into healthcare practices and inform potential public health interventions.
5) Reason:
Reason pertains to the underlying motivations driving individuals to self-medicate. The study identifies key reasons such as previous experience, lack of time, and non-availability of doctors. Understanding these reasons aids in uncovering behavioral patterns related to healthcare choices and highlights the influence of convenience on medical decisions.
6) Manju (Mamju):
Manju is the name of the primary author of the study, indicating her involvement and expertise in the research regarding self-medication practices. As an assistant professor in pharmacy, her work contributes significantly to understanding pharmacy-related issues in her community and informs practices that can enhance patient safety and care.
7) Table:
Table refers to structured data representation within the study providing clear visual information regarding various parameters such as reasons for self-medication and occurrences of associated problems. Tables enhance the reader's comprehension of significant research findings and facilitate easier interpretation of complex data categories in the study.
8) Knowledge:
Knowledge involves understanding and awareness regarding medical practices, diseases, and treatments. The study assesses participants' understanding of medications they self-administer, highlighting gaps in knowledge that may lead to inappropriate drug use. Enhancing knowledge about safe self-medication practices is essential for preventing potential health risks in communities.
9) Attending:
Attending signifies participating or being present, particularly in the context of individuals visiting community pharmacies. The study focuses on customers attending pharmacies in Calicut, Kerala, to evaluate their self-medication practices, emphasizing the role of pharmacists in guiding and informing patients about proper medication use and health management.
10) Relative:
Relative points to family members or friends who may influence an individual's medication choices. Often, individuals consult relatives or share medications, leading to self-medication practices. Thereby, the role of interpersonal relationships in healthcare decisions becomes relevant, highlighting the importance of awareness about safe practices within communities.
11) Kerala:
Kerala is a state in India where the study was conducted. Known for its healthcare initiatives, Kerala provides a unique context for examining self-medication practices. The findings shed light on local healthcare behaviors and can assist in developing region-specific educational programs to improve public healthcare and medication safety.
12) India:
India is the country where the research study was set, reflecting diverse healthcare practices and prevalent self-medication trends. Given the wide range of cultural beliefs and medical access, self-medication poses unique challenges and necessitates investigation into patterns and behaviors to optimize health outcomes in the Indian community.
13) Male:
Male refers to the gender demographic showcasing higher prevalence in self-medication within the study. This illustrates societal behaviors where males often handle medication purchases for themselves and their families. Understanding gender-related trends helps inform targeted educational efforts to address self-medication issues and ensure safe practices.
14) Fever:
Fever represents a common ailment often treated by self-medication, as highlighted in the study. It typically does not require professional consultation unless persistent. Identifying symptoms such as fever can lead individuals to rely on over-the-counter medications, showing the importance of understanding underlying causes and appropriate treatments.
15) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analytical conversations analyzing the study's findings concerning self-medication practices. Engaging in discussion about self-medication trends assists healthcare providers in recognizing prevalent behaviors and patient needs, leading to targeted interventions and policies to educate and regulate safe medication practices within communities.
16) Developing:
Developing indicates the category of countries with varied healthcare access and education. The study compares self-medication trends in developing nations like India with those in developed countries, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities for improving healthcare access and education around proper medication use and self-care practices.
17) Doubt:
Doubt signifies uncertainty about medical self-treatment or understanding medicinal use. The study highlights how individuals may feel unsure when selecting medications, stressing the significance of proper counseling from pharmacists and healthcare professionals to mitigate risks linked to self-medication, ensuring individuals make informed and safe decisions.
18) Pain:
Pain is a symptomatic condition often leading to self-medication practices as individuals seek immediate relief. The study notes that many customers resort to purchasing medications for pain without professional input. This underlines the necessity of understanding pain management and recognizing when medical advice is essential for effective treatment.