Common Medicines Used for Self-Medication in Rural India–A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is a significant aspect in healthcare delivery system especially in India. Objectives: The present study focuses on the identification of the common medication used by the people in the rural community of Bangalore, India. Materials and Method: Design: The present study was a community-based, cross-sectional survey conducted among rural population. Setting: People in the selected rural community of Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Participants: Totally 110 participants were selected with simple random sampling technique. Methods: The data were collected using the questionnaire prepared by the researchers. Section A: sociodemographic details (age, gender, education, occupation, income, relationship with head of the family, type of family, number of family members, marital status and availability of family physician). Section B: consisted of semi-structured questionnaires which includes the details of using old prescription, type of self-medication, place of obtaining medicine for self-medication etc. Results: Among 110 participants who used self medication, an overwhelming percentage of 86.36% were taking analgesics. Other participants reported the usage of antipyretics (40%), anticold drugs (29%), cough remedies (29%), antacids (40%), antidiarrhoeal (8.18%), antispasmodic (7.27%), antiemetic (5.45%) and antibiotics (0.9%). Conclusion: Through the mass media education and campaign, people should be made understand that inappropriate use of self-medication may result in adverse effects.

Keywords: Bangalore, common medications, rural, self-medication practices, self-medication

Cite this Article

G. Balamurugan, Sangamesh Nidagundi, M. Vijayarani. Common Medicines Used for Self-Medication in Rural India–A Descriptive Study. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2020; 10(3):
12–17p.