THE PREVALENCE OF SELF-MEDICATION AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN PAKISTAN
Yusra Anwar*
ABSTRACT
Background: The aim and objective of the study was to identify the
prevalence of self-medication practices among individuals. Methods:
Hundred pre-designed questionnaires were filled by the people. The
questionnaire contained the content to determine the associated factors
related to self-medication. Then the Performa’s were evaluated on the
basis of percentages and then results were displayed in graphical form.
Result: The study found that self-medication is increasing day by day.
The 90% individuals use self-medication due to convenience and lack
of trust on prescriber. The selection of medicines was based on 40%
previous doctor’s prescription. The medicines are obtained from
community pharmacy. About 70% of the people partly understand the instructions come with
the package insert while 10% didn’t understand it. While selection of medicines people
consider indication for use by 100%. Majority of People, about 70% considered selfmedication
is the acceptable practice while 20% said it is not acceptable practice.
Conclusion: It was concluded from the study that the trend of self-medication is increasing
day by day. People consider it safe and convenient for them. They use medicines and modify
the dosage according to their needs regardless of the serious outcomes. People consider the
indication of medicine and obtained it from community pharmacy. The prevalence of selfmedication
is common in society.
Keywords: Self-medication, Self-Treatment, Self-prescribing, Medicines.
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