A Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate and Compare Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self-Medication among Medical and Non-Medical Students

The main aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of selfmedication by medical and non-medical (engineering) students and to analyse decisions behind self medication, confidence in alternate medicine system, drug information resources and knowledge of antibiotic resistance. A prevalidated questionnaire was administered after explaining the purpose of the study to145 Medical and 83 engineering students.

Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 15.0 and the results were expressed as counts and percentages, a 2-tailed ײ-test was applied and a p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. The most common factor that led to Self medication was non-serious nature of the disease. The use of analgesics (70.34 % vs. 31.94%), antipyretics (57.71 % vs. 16.66%) was significantly high among the medical students (P < 0.001, Odds Ratio-5.98, CI: 3.2-10.8). Knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance was very low among the non-medical students (16.67% vs. 85.62%). Medical students tend to have greater knowledge, as well as a concerned attitude towards self-medication and practice self-medication more often. There is a need to review educational programs especially the teaching of clinical pharmacology to include modules on self- medication and rational use of medicine. This study also shows the need to carry out educational campaigns to alert the population about the use of many medications available in the market. For that, it is imperative to have an active participation of health care professionals, specially physicians and pharmacists, besides help from the pharmaceutical industry, government regulations and competent authorities.