Affiliation:
1. Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
2. Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal, India
Abstract
Background:
The practice of self-medication appears to be much more rampant during the-
COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, awareness about its consequences is essential among the general population
during the current circumstances.
Objectives:
To study the prevalence of and perception towards self-medication, as well as its determinants
among the general population of Mangalore.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was done during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in
August 2021. Data were collected using a Microsoft form disseminated among residents of Mangalore
through WhatsApp and email.
Results:
The mean age of the 225 participants in this study was 34.5±15.2 years. Self-medication practice
was indulged by 77(34.2%) out of the total participants. The most common symptom for which
self-medication was practiced was for common cold [54(70.1%)], and the most commonly used drug was
paracetamol [67(87%)]. 167(74.2%) participants felt that self-medication practices were harmful, but the rest
58(25.8%) felt that it was not a harmful practice. 116 (51.6%) participants felt that the advertisements in
mass media and social media promoted self-medication practices among people. Out of the 69(30.7%) participants
who felt that self-medication practice was acceptable during the current circumstances, the majority
[66(95.6%)] felt that it was better to avoid visiting any doctor or health care facility presently to avoid acquiring
COVID-19. In the multivariable analysis, participants with a history of self-medication among their family
members, relatives, or friends were more likely to indulge in self-medication (p<0.001). Perceptions that
self-medication practices were harmful were more among females (p=0.0397).
Conclusion:
More than one-third of the participants indulged in self-medication practice. More than
one-fourth of the participants felt that self-medication practices were not harmful. About one-third felt
it was acceptable, and most of them felt so to avoid the risk of contracting the Coronavirus infection.
Awareness of its hazards, particularly among males and those with a family history of selfmedications,
is required at Mangalore.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),Pharmacology,Toxicology
Cited by
3 articles.
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