A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG KASHMIRI URBAN POPULATION

Shakeel Ahmad Mir

doi:10.22159/ajpcr.2018.v11i4.24942

Authors

Shakeel Ahmad Mir Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2018.v11i4.24942

Keywords:

Self-medication, Medicine, Behavior, Adherence, Kashmir, Pattern

Abstract

Â Objectives: Self-medication has been adopted worldwide. It is voluntarily chosen by the consumers as it has social and economical benefits. For self-medication to be successful, adherence is an important factor. Adherence to medications is associated with improved clinical outcomes and reduced morbidity and mortality. The objectives of the present study are to assess the prevalence, pattern, and adherence of urban population of Kashmir to self-medication.

Methods: A total of 200 participants were included in this questionnaire-based study by convenience sampling. Informed written consent was taken from each participant in this study. Consenting participants anonymously completed the questionnaire. Only 176 returned the completed questionnaire, 18 participants denied any self-medication practice and their data were not further analyzed. Data of 158 participants were analyzed by manual calculators, VassarStats, and SPSS (V20). Results are expressed in frequencies and percentages.

Results: The study population consisted of 65.18% males 94.12% were literate 84.57% self-medicated for fever and respiratory symptoms, 3.79% for skin-related symptoms, 5.06% for urinary symptoms, 4.43% for oro dental conditions, and 5.69% for gastrointestinal symptoms. 89.87% purchased the drugs from the pharmacy, and 10.12% used leftover drugs. Only 26.58% used the drugs until apparent full recovery. 51.28% stopped the drugs as soon as symptoms disappeared. 12.65% stopped the drugs after few days. 6.32% had a mixed behavior. 25.31% consulted pharmacist for advice, 10.75% received advice from family and friends, and 43.03% collected information from internet, print, and electronic media.

Conclusion: Self-Medication is practiced worldwide. It has many advantages to benefit from the practice, adherence is an essential factor. Poor adherence may make it less useful and even a harmful practice.

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Author Biography

Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Associate Professor

Clinical Pharmacology

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