Self medication practices and the forces which shape it

ABSTRACT

Little consideration has been given to self-care/self-medication, a basic level of health care. This study focuses on self-medication, its practices, forces which shape it and defines areas in which future research could be directed. Sixty nine studies from different countries have been reviewed and carefully analyzed. They are chiefly concerned with descriptive information, offering little exploration of the successful use of self-medication, its common ailments, sources of information and regulations. Nevertheless, they do provide an information base on the extent and practices of self-medication in different communities and cultures. The study indicated that self-medication is a very popular practice all over the world. A striking feature is the uniformity of the types of ailments in self-medication, but the rationale in its practice differs. Developed countries generally adopt a more appropriate approach, supported by adequate drug provisions control and consumer's information. In developing countries, inappropriate drug use appears to be the rule rather than exception. In these countries pharmaceuticals are widely available through formal and informal outlets, and large numbers of people usually have little access to drug information. In conclusion, there is shortage of both quantitative and qualitative assessments of self-medication. The study findings help define areas in which future research could be directed