A Study On Health Seeking Behaviour And Self Medication Practices Among Adolescent Slum Dwellers Of Guwahati, Assam

ABSTRACT

Background: Adolescents (10–19 years) are a vulnerable group in need of health information and services for their betterment. They are exposed to various vulnerabilities regarding health especially those living in slums. Self medication is defined as the use of medications without prescription for self treatment. Objectives: To study health seeking behaviour and self medication practices among adolescent slum dwellers of Guwahati. Materials and Methods: A Cross Sectional Study was carried out during October to December 2017 using pretested, predesigned pro forma covering 150 adolescent slum dwellers of Guwahati. Results: Majority (51%) of the adolescents were of age group 15–19 years. Males were 62%.Family perception was the major hindrance (22%) in seeking health care. 28% practised self medication. Conclusion: Further work–up is needed in the field of adolescent health services to make them aware of various health–care facilities.