Abstract
Background: Self-medication (SM) is practice of using medication without professional guidance which is prevalent across communities worldwide. Without visiting or communicating with a healthcare provider, many people self-diagnose a physical or mental illness in the hopes of alleviating their symptoms. Without seeing a doctor, taking medication can be risky and even result in addiction or dependence.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in the chosen wards of Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city among 291 community people using a pretested and validated questionnaire. The study was conducted from March 2023 to August 2023. Data was analyzed by using SPSS V.25 and presented in tables.
Result: The mean age of the participants was 33.15±12.25 years. Majority of participants (77.7%) practiced self-medication within last three months. Antibiotics, analgesics, and antipyretics were the most common drug classes used in self-medication. The common symptoms/conditions for self-medication were a common cold, headache, and fever. The most frequent justifications for self-medication were minor illness 197 (87.2%), followed by lack of time to visit doctors 92 (40.7%), and due to high fees of doctors 86 (38.1%).
Conclusion: Self-medication was found to be common in Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city. Government should enhance education and information about the dangers of self-medication if not done appropriately and improve the control of selling prescription drugs in pharmacies.
Keywords: Self-medication; Community-based; Drug use; Practice; Prevalence; Nepal
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