Prevalence and predictors of self-medication practice among adults residing in the rural field practice area of a tertiary care hospital in Chandigarh

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Self-medication is a harmful practice. There is a need to document its prevalence and educate people about its numerous dangers. This study assessed the prevalence of self-medication practice and its associated factors among adults. Method: This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1090 adults. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A pre-tested interview schedule was used to collect data regarding self-medication practice and its associated factors. The data was analysed using Epi-info software for windows (CDC Atlanta). Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 18.6%. The most common symptom for which study participants practised self-medication was fever (58.6%). Previous experience was the most common reason for practising self- medication (59.0%). The bivariate analysis revealed that the self-medication practice was significantly more among those aged 50 years and above and widowed individuals; as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Nearly one-fourth of the adults practised self-medication. Interventions should be designed to discourage self-medication practice among adults, with a particular focus on those aged above 50 years and widowed individuals