Assessment Of Awareness, Knowledge And Behaviour Regarding Self Medication Practice Among The General Population In Selected Areas Of Kalaburagi City

Background: Self-medication is widely practiced in developing countries due to easy access to medicines. While it can provide temporary relieve for minor ailments but antibiotic resistance, adverse drug reactions, masking of underlying diseases and potential organ damage are the risks that are associated with Self-Medication practice. This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge and behavior regarding Self- Medication practice, evaluate reasons for self-medication and evaluate the impact of educational intervention.

Methods: A total of 470 participants were involved in the study, they were divided into case (n=233) and control (n=237) groups. Through a same structured questionnaire,baseline data of both the groups was collected and the case group received educational intervention while the control group did not. Pre intervention and post intervention responses were evaluated using t test.

Results: After the intervention, the case group witnessed significant improvements in awareness, knowledge and perceptions. Knowledge and awareness of Over the counter [OTC] medicines increased from 29.18% to 79.4% (P <0.001), awareness of possibility of antibiotic resistance increased from 25.75% to 40.34% (P <0.001), knowledge of overuse of pain killers leading to organ damage rose from 72.53% to 82% (P <0.001), perceived safety of self -medication declined (P<0.001), recognition of dangers of dose alteration without consultation increased from 66.5% to 82% (P <0.001), while the habit of advising others to self-medicate reduced significantly from 25.75% to 14.2% ((P <0.001) noticeably. The control group showed minimal growth comparatively. Conclusion: The present study highlights the high prevalence of Self-medication, the doctor’s unavailability and high fees proved to be a major reason for Self-medication.Educational intervention had a great positive impact on improving knowledge, reducing harmful habits and promoting safer attitudes towards Self-medication. It also highlights the need for more educational awareness programmes to strengthened the overall community perspective on Self-medication and rational use of drugs.