A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding self-medication of over-the-counter drugs amongst diploma pharmacy students of a pharmacy college at Manipur

Abstract

India is one of the major suppliers of generic medication in the world and billions of drugs are available in the market, consequence to higher chances of irrational use. Majority of the patient or their representative visits pharmacy instead of consulting physician for minor ailments. Hence, the cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the KAP regarding self-medication on Over-The-Counter drugs of pharmacy students. It was found that the participants have good knowledge on Over-The-Counter medication i.e. 93.54% participants have knowledge that Over-The-Counter drugs can be purchased without prescription and 88.7% responders knew that Pharmacist can recommend Over-The-Counter medications. 82.26% respondents have awareness regarding the safety during pregnancy while using Over-The-Counter drugs. 66.13% of the respondents believe that sharing of Over-The-Counter drugs with other is unsafe and 88.7% participants have the opinion that pharmacist’s advice is required while using Over-The-Counter drugs. In minor ailments such as headache, diarrhoea, common cold, body pain, etc. 80.6% of the responders believed Over-The-Counter drugs can be used. 50.0% participants have practiced of withdrawing medication when suspected side effects are seen while using Over-The-Counter. 77.42% participants have practiced self-medication and 88.71% of the participants have consulted physician when Over-The-Counter medication does not relieve the ailment. 41.9% of the participants have suggested Over-The-Counter drugs based on similar symptoms with proper medication history. From our study, it was concluded that, most of the participant were aware about Over-the-Counter medication and it can further improve the rational use of Over-The-Counter drugs by conducting continuous educational awareness program for health care professionals and general public.