A Comparative Study to Assess the Usage of Self Medication among Selected Urban and Rural Community of Pudhucherry

Self medication is proportionately increasing in both urban and rural community. The pattern of self medication use is not well established, hence, a cross sectional survey was undertaken which recruited 100 patients 50 from urban and 50 from rural in the state of Pudhucherry by convenience sampling method. Results revealed Overall 71 % of the subjects reported that they have used self medication at least once during their illness. On comparing the self medication practice among urban and rural community no statistical difference was found (P value = 0.825). There is need for authorities to make the existing laws regarding OTC drugs strong to ensure their rational sale and use. Moreover, specific pharmacovigilance is needed and the patient, pharmacist and physician must be encouraged to report any adverse events.