A descriptive study to assess the perception and practice regarding over the counter (OTC) drug and self-medication in reducing dysmenorrhoea among adolescents at selected higher secondary schools of Mirza Kamrup (R), Assam

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhoea is a term of Greek origin which means “painful monthly bleeding.” It is one of the most common gynaecological problems among adolescents. Self-medication is an important worldwide public health issue affecting children and adolescents. The most frequently self-medicated, over-the-counter (OTC) drug and prescription-only medicines were analgesics and antibiotics, respectively. Understanding the links between various factors promoting Self-Medication and Over the Counter (OTC) drugs can be helpful in deriving strategies aimed at reducing drug-related health risks among adolescents.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among adolescent girls in the selected higher secondary schools of Mirza. A total of 100 adolescent girls were selected using the convenient sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The result of the study shows that most of the adolescents have Neutral Perception (69%), while 11% have Favourable Perception and 20% have Unfavourable Perception regarding Over the Counter (OTC) drug and Self-Medication in reducing Dysmenorrhoea. There is a statistically significant association between perception and age (p-value = 0.002). Regarding practice, most adolescents have Average practice (54%), while 21% have Good Practice and 25% have Poor Practice. There is a statistically significant association between practice and selected demographic variables such as parent’s education level, age of menarche, duration of menstrual periods, and duration of pain (p-values = 0.007, 0.002, 0.03, 0.01, 0.002 respectively).Conclusion: The current study has shown that most participants have neutral perception and average practice regarding over the counter (OTC) drug and self-medication in reducing dysmenorrhea. There is a clear need for integrated public health strategies and educational interventions to promote safer medication practices.