Statistical Study on Self-Medication and Drug use Pattern in Urban and Rural Areas of Nashik, Maharashtra

Abstract

Self-medication methodology involves taking medications without a doctor's supervision or on their basis or others advice. Self-medication and the use of over-the-counter medications are serious public health concerns worldwide. The study aimed to evaluate self-medication and drug use patterns among urban and rural populations based on their knowledge in Nashik. A descriptive cross-sectional and questionnaire-based study with the prevalence of self-medication and drug use patterns was conducted among 500 people excluding healthcare professionals. The study involved 250 people each from urban and rural areas of Nashik district of Maharashtra state. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 500 people, 250 each from both areas. Study observed that 45.9% in urban and 32.8% in rural participants practiced the study's habit. 79.6% and 54.6% in urban and rural populations had a habit of checking the expiry date. 20.4% and 31.2% of respondents from urban and rural areas purcased medications from an old prescription. In urban 25.4% and 19.5% in rural populations, participants were practicing self-medication to treat chronic diseases. Both populations have their inadequacy with the drug use pattern. Health care professionals should take a step forward to communicate with the patients and explain to them about self-medication so that there would not be any worsening situations. There is a need to diminish the causes and educate both populations to consolidate safe practices.

Keywords: Adherence, drug use practice, prescription sharing, self-medication, rural, urban

Cite this Article

Kawale Saurav S., Kasture Kaustubh A., Joshi Saiee P., Pingale Prashant L. Statistical Study on Self-Medication and Drug use Pattern in Urban and Rural Areas of Nashik, Maharashtra. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2020; 10(3): 29–40p.