Abstract

Background: Self-medication (SM) is practiced throughout the world and although it has known benefits, it is being abused mostly by the medical students community. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge of 1st-year MBBS regarding various aspects of SM such as the most commonly used drugs and its side effects.

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to study the pattern of SM among 1st-year medical students and to improve pharmacovigilace and drug safety.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done among 1st-year MBBS students aged 19–21 years of Sri Siddartha Medical College and Hospital, Tumkur. This was carried out after the approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A modified questionnaire was circulated to 150 1st-year MBBS students who voluntarily participated and who’s consent was taken to carry out this study, through Google Forms.

Results: Results show that 61% of self-medicate with the major reason being previous exposure. About 51% are fully aware of the medication and its side effects while 44% are partly aware. About 37% have reported that they do not self-medicate due to risk of adverse effects and 25% do not self-medicate due to reasons such as lack of knowledge, awareness, and risk of using the incorrect drugs.

Conclusions: This shows that SM is prevalent among 1st-year medical students and more insight and clinical exposure regarding the drugs is needed for cautious practice. Hence, SM is an essential part of self-care as per the WHO but more knowledge and awareness is needed which is acquired through the MBBS course. This can help reduce the risk of experiencing adverse effects.

Key words: Self-Medication; Medical Hostels; Over the Counter Medications; 1st-year Medical Students