Artificial intelligence and internet influence on drug utilization: Exploring self-medication trends in South Indian pharmacy students

Intelligent Pharmacy Pub Date : 2024-06-04 DOI:10.1016/j.ipha.2024.06.001

B.S. Nikitha, K. Roopa, Shababiang L. Kynshi, Riya Singh Chauhan, B.S. Girish, R. Srinivasan

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Abstract

Background

Self-medication refers to usage of drugs by population to cure self-diagnosed medical illnesses or symptoms without seeking medical advice. AI has become the prevailing technology in recent times, experiencing significant growth. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in AI adoption, driven by concerns about visiting hospitals. Despite awareness of its potential drawbacks, relying on AI and online resources for medical and therapeutic purposes has become widespread.

Objectives

This study determines the use of AI and Internet in self-medication as well as perceives the knowledge, attitudes, and self-medication practices among south Indian Pharmacy students.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study that included pharmacy students to evaluate the trends and practices of self-medication. A self-designed questionnaire was adopted that contained four sections including Consent, demographic details, AI in medications, Knowledge-Attitude-Practice sections. The data was collected both manually and via e-links.

Results

The study included a total of 527 participants, among which 278 (52.8%) were females. 472 (89.56%) used internet and AI for diagnosing their condition, whereas 396 (75.14%) used to self-medicate. 315 (59.8%) had good knowledge and 521 (98.9%) exhibited positive attitude towards self-medication. The practice of self-medication was high – 217 (41.2%) practiced self-medication within one month, 149 (28.3%) within two or three months, 101 (19.2%) within 6 months and 60 (11.4%) practiced a year ago.

Conclusion

The study participants used more internet and AI for self-diagnosing as well as self-medicating than consulting the medical professionals. Majority had good knowledge and positive attitude with high prevalence of self-medication practices. Self-medication awareness and public health education has to be carried out in order to avoid unexpected reactions by self-medications.

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人工智能和互联网对药物使用的影响：探索南印度药学学生的自我药疗趋势

背景自我医疗是指人们在不寻求医疗建议的情况下使用药物来治疗自我诊断的疾病或症状。近来，人工智能已成为主流技术，并取得了显著增长。COVID-19 大流行之后，由于人们对去医院就诊的担忧，人工智能的应用激增。尽管意识到其潜在的弊端，但依赖人工智能和在线资源进行医疗和治疗的现象已变得十分普遍。本研究确定了人工智能和互联网在自我医疗中的使用情况，并了解了南印度药剂学专业学生的知识、态度和自我医疗实践。研究采用了一份自行设计的调查问卷，包含四个部分，包括同意书、人口统计学细节、用药人工智能、知识-态度-实践。研究共纳入 527 名参与者，其中女性 278 人（52.8%），男性 472 人（89.56%）。472人（89.56%）使用互联网和人工智能诊断病情，396人（75.14%）使用互联网和人工智能自我治疗。315人（59.8%）对自我药疗有良好的认识，521人（98.9%）对自我药疗持积极态度。自行用药的比例较高，217 人（41.2%）在一个月内自行用药，149 人（28.3%）在两三个月内自行用药，101 人（19.2%）在六个月内自行用药，60 人（11.4%）在一年前自行用药。大多数人对自我药疗具有良好的认知和积极的态度。必须开展自我用药意识和公共卫生教育，以避免因自我用药而出现意外反应。

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Intelligent Pharmacy

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