Abstract

Background: The misuse of non-prescription drugs amongst students has become a serious problem. The youth is especially exposed to the media and the increased advertising of pharmaceuticals poses a larger threat to the young population. There is a paucity of studies on self-medication among medical students. Medical students may differ from the general population because they are exposed to knowledge about diseases and drugs.

Aims & Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication among medical students and to compare impact of pharmacology teaching among them.

Material and Methods: This study was questionnaire based exploratory study. A self-developed questionnaire consisting of both open-ended and close-ended questions were prepared and given to fill up to students of first and second year medical students. Data was analyzed and associations were tested using the Chi square test. The results expressed as counts and percentages.

Results: Out of 157 respondents, 78 were of first year and 79 were of second year. Among first year students 40 and 38, among second year students 58 and 21 were male and female respectively. Among first year students 21(26.92%) had knowledge of generic name, 40(51.28%) had knowledge of side effects and 72(92.33%) had knowledge of expiry date. Figure of knowledge among second year students were 70(88.6%), 72(91.13%) and 76(96.2%) respectively. Attitude wise 60(76.92%) of first year and 53(67.08%) of second year students believe in Ayurvedic/homeopathic medicines. 50(64.1%) of first year and 59(74.68%) of second year students had felt the necessity of medical knowledge towards self-medication. Practice wise 66(84.61%) of first year and 76(96.2%) of second year students had taken self-medication in last 6 months.

Conclusion: This study shows that second year students tend to have greater knowledge of appropriate self-medication, have a more confident as well as concerned attitude towards self-medication, and tend to practice self-medication more often and appropriately.

Key words: Self-medication, Medical Students, Pharmacology Teaching