Prevalence of Self Medication Practices and its Associated Factors in Puducherry, India - A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Self-medication is a most important health issue in developing countries like India. Even though there is abundant healthcare access present. Still self-medication is being chosen by the patients. To estimate the prevalence of self-medication and the factors association to self-medication practices among urban fisherman population in Puducherry. Methods: Cross-Sectional Study conducted from July 2021 to December 2021[6 months] among 18 to 60 years of fisherman populations residing in the urban practice areas. it was collected by simple random sampling technique using semi structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent and analysis carried out by Chi-square test and proportions. Results: Majority of participants about 77.8% belonged to 30-60 years age group. About 57% were male and 43% were female among our study participants. The prevalence of self-medication was found to be 67%. Regarding the sociodemographic factors age, gender, education, occupation, socioeconomic status was found to be statistically significant with the self-medication. From our study it has been found that about 82.05% practiced self-medication for their previous similar complaints. The source of information regarding self-medication is obtained from the pharmacists somehow seen among 55.8%. Among the various types of self-medication allopathy drugs is mostly taken main important reason because of its easy availability. For the symptoms such as cough, cold, flu, headache, myalgia the most of the self-medication is being taken and the side effects were found to be 12.1% for their self-medication. Conclusion: Majority of the people use self-medication for cough, cold, flu, headache, myalgia etc in case of emergency they seek hospital. Awareness about health hazards, drug resistance in prolonged self-medication practice and regulation of pharmacies limit self‑medication.