Self-medication patterns among Nursing students in Punjab

Self-medication is defined as selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms. Self-medication can lead to various health problems like adverse drug reactions, prolonged suffering, and drug-dependence and increase resistance among various pathogens. Very few studies have evaluated its pattern and prevalence in nursing students.

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on the second year nursing students of nursing college of Punjab. A questionnaire consisting of both open and close -ended questions related to various aspects of self-medication was handed to the students. Consenting students anonymously filled the questionnaire.

A total of 122 students, three incomplete questionnaires were excluded and remaining 119 analysed. Practice of self-medication was reported by 88.24% nursing students. The most common ailment for seeking self-medication was headache (42.86%), followed by fever (32.38%), common cold/cough and pain abdomen. Paracetamol (59.05%), analgesics (39.05%), antibiotics (26.67%), antihistaminics, and cough suppressants were most commonly used drugs/drug groups for self-medication. Among reasons for seeking self-medication, ease (33.33%) was given as the major reason by the respondents, while 22.86%, felt it give them learning opportunity. Most common source of drug information was pharmacist (51.43%). Of the respondents 40.34% were unaware about adverse drug reactions and 48.74% were unaware about drug interactions.

This study shows that self-medication is widely practiced among nursing students of the nursing institutes. There is dire need to make them aware about the pros and cons of self-medication in order to ensure safe usage of drugs.