Background: Self-medication can be described as a double-edged sword for its users, because it has both beneficial and harmful effects. The practice of self-medication is influenced by various factors. Meghalaya being an antimalarial drug resistant region is very much vulnerable to harms of self-medication.
Objective: Therefore, this study was initiated to determine the prevalence of self-medication for allopathic drugs among the rural population and to find out the association between certain socio-demographic characteristics and self-medication.
Materials and Methods: The study was a community-based, cross-sectional study carried out at Sohiong area of Mawphlang Block, East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, India. A total of 400 respondents of 18 years of age or more were randomly selected for the study.
Result: Prevalence of self-medication was found to be 55% for allopathic drugs. Higher percentages of self-medication practices were seen among male gender (54.7%), people educated at least up to high school (64%), and in the younger age group (55%). Mild illness (30%) was the most common reason for self-medication followed by unwillingness to go to doctors (27%). Cough and common cold (28.3%) were found to be the most common symptoms for self-medication. Most common source of information for self-medication was family members and friends (38.7%).
Conclusion: Higher percentages of self-medication practices were seen among the males, higher educational and socioeconomic status, and younger age group. Health education to people regarding responsible self-medication is necessary to prevent misuse and adverse effect of self-medication.
Key words: Self-medication, rural population, cross sectional study, socioeconomic status, allopathic drugs, health education
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