Abstract

AIM: Self-medication is a common problem seen in developing countries. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of parents’ use of drugs among children under 5 years of age, and to understand factors influencing self-medication.
METHODS: This was an observational cross sectional study conducted in the field practice area of a rural medical college in India over a period of four months from June 2012 to October 2012 and involved 717 respondents. The study population included children from 3-60 months. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire from any of the parents.
RESULTS: The prevalence of self-medication was found out to be 57.04%. There was a statistically significant difference in the practices of self-medication between fathers and mothers (p < 0.05). Rural population had a higher tendency towards self-medication (p < 0.05). Highest prevalence was seen in high school educated respondents (p < 0.05) and in those with monthly income < 5,000 Indian National Rupee (INR) (p < 0.05). Antibiotics were the commonest drugs to be abused and were followed by decongestants. Monetary constraints were cited as the most frequent reason for self-medication. The commonest symptom complex for which self-medication was used was common cold.
CONCLUSION: This study identifies the problem of self-medication in the under-five children and highlights the need for urgent educational measures for general public and drug dispensers in particular, to improve their knowledge and practices related to self-treatment of minor ailments.

Key words: Health services; Parental attitudes; Self-medication; Under-five children.

Article Language: Turkish English