Patterns of Self Medication Among Educated and Uneducated Population in a University Setting in Lahore, Pakistan: A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background and Objective: Self-medication is gaining attention and is becoming a public health concern. Malpractice of self-medication is associated with risks such as misdiagnosis, overdose, prolonged duration, drug interactions and poly-pharmacy; which causes increased burden on the individual and is problematic in the elderly. This study evaluated the prevalence and patterns of self-medication among Educated and Uneducated population in a university setting in Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive crosssectional study was conducted in 100 individuals (educated: 50 and uneducated: 50). A questionnaire was filled consisting questions related to symptoms that necessitate self-medication, motive for self-medication and the sources of information about medication. Results: There was no significant difference in prevalence of self-medication in educated (68%) and uneducated samples (60%). Headache (32%), fever (30%), cough (16%) and gastric problems (8%) were the common symptoms for which self-medication were sought. However, Self-mediation for headache (36% vs 28%) and fever (32% vs 28%) was significantly higher in uneducated vs educated sample. The main reasons to selfmedicate among educated population vs uneducated included conditions not serious (48% vs 32%); lack of time (48% vs. 20%), whereas, 44% uneducated reported to save money as compared to 4% educated sample. The common source for self-medication in both the samples were past experience (56%) and advice from others (24%), however, advertisement as a source of self-medication prevailed in uneducated sample (20%) as compared to educated sample (8%). Conclusion: Self-medication is prevalent in educated and uneducated population. The drug authorities must regulate policies to provide safe and cost effective products, in particular to safe antibiotic usage and prevent adverse effects of drugs. Standards should be applied to the provision of information and advertisement to ensure responsible self-medication.