Self-Medication Practice Among Community Pharmacies after Covid- 19

Abstract

Background

Self-medication refers to the utilization of medications without a prescription for self-diagnosed disorders, symptoms, or ongoing use of prescribed drugs for chronic symptoms. Several factors influence self-medication, including education, family background, community environment, medicine availability, and exposure to public medical advice or advertisements.

Objective

The objective of this study is to access the perception of community pharmacists regarding the practice of self-medication after pandemic.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in various community pharmacies located in the Chengalpattu and Chennai Districts of Tamil Nadu. The study spanned a period of 6 months and involved the collection of samples from medical shops/ community pharmacies in both urban and rural care settings in Chengalpattu and Chennai districts.

Results

In this study, males were higher in number than females with 60% and the most commonly reported age was 18 to 35 years with 44%. Antihistamines were used very commonly with 97% Gastric issues such as acidity, indigestion, heartburn were most common with 95%.  Next to that pain, headache was considered as the most common ailment with 91% followed by diarrhoea, UTI infections, and respiratory problems with 89%, 80%, and 76% respectively.

Conclusion

The study is concerned about a rise in the percentage of people using antipyretics and anti-inflammatory medications for self-medication. According to the findings, Indians self-medicate with various medicines such as antibiotics, diclofenac, and paracetamol at a significant rate during the current pandemic