ASSESSMENT OF SELF-MEDICATION KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES (KAP) AMONG PHASE II MBBS STUDENTS IN KOLHAPUR DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Self-medication, Medical students, Antibiotics, Rational drug use, KAP study.
Abstract
Self-medication is a common practice, especially among medical students due to easy access to drugs in combination with incomplete medical knowledge. While responsible self-medication can reduce healthcare burden, inappropriate use may lead to adverse drug reactions, antimicrobial resistance and drug dependence.
Objective: To assess the prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and practices related to self-medication among Phase II MBBS students at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 120 Phase II MBBS students using a pre-validated structured questionnaire. Data regarding patterns, indications, sources, medications used and awareness of risks associated with self-medication were collected and analysed using MS Excel. Results were expressed in frequencies and percentages.
Results: Of the 120 students, 102 (85%) reported practicing self-medication. There was no significant difference in prevalence of self-medication between females (84.1%) and males (86.3%) (p ≈ 0.74). Internet (36.7%) was the most common sources of information of medicines. Doctors in the family (45.8%) was the common source used to procure medicines for self‑medication. Antibiotics (45%) were the most frequently self-medicated drugs, followed by antipyretics and multivitamins. The most common indications were common cold (60%), fever, and cough. Major reasons for self-medication included convenience (42.5%), easy availability (40.8%), and time saving (36.7%). Most students were aware of adverse effects (82.5%), antibiotic resistance (85.8%), drug interactions (86.7%) and drug dependence (89.2%). A large majority (91.7%) felt that educational programs on safe self-medication are necessary.
Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent among Phase II MBBS students, with antibiotics being the most commonly used drugs. Despite good awareness of its risks, the practice remains common, emphasizing the urgent need for early education on rational drug use.
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Dr. Pramod Prabhakar Bhalerao
Department of Pharmacology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
Dr. Vikram Anant Rajadnya
Department of Pharmacology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
Dr. Jagdish Gangadhar Puri
Department of Radiology, Government Medical College, Jalna, Maharashtra, India.
Dr. Archana Ganesh Dhavalshankh
Department of Pharmacology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
