ABSTRACT
Introduction:Self‑medication (SM) is popular globally but leads to the wastage of resources, health hazards, and resistance to pathogens. This study aims to ascertain the frequency and manner, in which SM practices were employed by the urban population of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal. Materials and Methods: The study was an observational cross‑sectional one conducted in Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal, India, using a sample size of 180 adults (aged at least 18 years), residing in the study area, i.e., urban slum area for at least 6 months and conducted over 2 months. The data have been collected through a semi‑structured schedule consisting of questions on the sociodemographic characteristics of the study subjects and their SM practices. The data were thereafter analyzed, wherein descriptive statistics and a Chi‑square test were used. Results: It was found that SM was prevalent among 48.9% of the study population, with most participants practicing SM for body pain, headache, and fever. Among the different classes of drugs used, analgesics were the most common (31.8%), followed by antipyretics (25.0%) and antacids (20.5%). The correlation between sociodemographic characteristics and the practice of SM showed that individuals below the age of 36 were found to be more likely to engage in SM, along with individuals who had a low monthly income, and no comorbidities. These subjects were practicing SM more than their counterparts and it was statistically significant with theP < 0.05. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of awareness and education regarding the proper use of over‑the‑counter drugs and recommends educating pharmacists and the public about the same. Public health programs should be introduced for the people living in slums to create cautiousness about SM.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Majority of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Yoga (AYUSH) practitioners use allopathic drugs. This study was conducted to assess frequency of use of AYUSH and Allopathic drugs, and rationality of allopathic drugs in prescriptions of AYUSH practitioners. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted after collecting prescriptions from patients attending clinics of AYUSH practitioners over a period of 5 weeks. Total 401 prescriptions were collected from patients after written informed consent. National list of Essential Medicines 2003, India and other parameters like drug dose, route of administration, indication were used to assess rationality of Allopathic drugs. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis. Results: Total 1037 drugs were studied from 401 prescriptions of AYUSH medicine practitioners. Total 999 (97.65%) Allopathy drugs were prescribed which contained 620 (62.06%) single drugs and 379 (37.93%) fixed drug combinations(FDCs) . 91.52% of total prescriptions contained only allopathic drugs. 19 (4.73%) prescriptions had combination of Ayurveda and Allopathic drugs while one(0.25%) prescription had combination of Homeopathy and Allopathic drugs. Out of 14 AYUSH presriptions containing only AYUSH drugs,13 (3.24%) prescriptions belonged to homoeopathy and one to Ayurveda.Proper diagnosis was written only in 29 (7.23%) prescriptions . 64% of total prescriptions reflected irrational use of Allopathic drugs.Irrational prescribing practices were found high in FDCs (37.13%) as compared with single drugs (26.92%) Conclusion: Allopathic drugs are highly and irrationally prescribed by AYUSH practitioners. Maximum irrational prescribing practice was seen in FDCs as compared to single drugs.