EVALUATION OF THE PRACTICE OF SELF MEDICATION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN WEST UTTAR PRADESH

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe and examine the branded medicines used by college students, awareness, trust in medicine system, reasons behind self medication, drug information resources, danger findings and knowledge of drug profile. Samples of 253 young students belonging to different regions of West Uttar pradesh were randomly selected. An inclusion criterion was 17-25 years. A total of 22 students were excluded in accordance with the exclusion criteria like incomplete information. About 80.08% students had a positive trust in allopathic medicines,83.12% students learn self medication from doctors prescriptions provided during their prior illness.12.35%were alcoholic,21.73% were smokers,9.76% students with chronic problems ,who were considered in danger findings. Only 46.93% students were aware about drug interaction. Most of the self medication was involved with headache and fever, cough & cold, gastrointestinal Infection, mouth ulcer & Throat infection. Respondents were using Schedule H drugs/potent drugs for minor illness. The results are based on feed backs which were provided by respondents included in study. The percentage of self medication might be change along with locality and region. The prevalence of self-medication among college students in West Uttarpradesh is high. This descriptive survey shows that the majority of professional students had a piece of poor knowledge about appropriate self medication while the knowledge of the benefits and risks was not adequate. A number of students consult pharmacists and follow advertisements on drug information. This issue needs to be addressed by the responsible authorities of State Pharmacy Council/Ministry of Health.