Prevalence of Self Medication Practice among Community People in Aiselukharka Rural Municipality Ward No.3, Khotang

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication practice is defined as the use of medication by individuals without the prescription of health care professionals. The practice of self-medication is increasing in the world, and in Nepal too. The objective of the study is to assess the self-medication practice among the community people of Aiselukharka Rural Municipality, Ward no 3.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 264 in Aiselukharka Rural Municipality, ward number 3 using random sampling technique using household numbers. Face to face interview was conducted to collect the data from respondents using structured questionnaires after taking informed consent. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics: chi-square was used to find the association between independent and dependent variables.

Results: The study found prevalence (43.9%) of self-medication practice and the majority of respondents’ use (85.3%) anti anti-cold medications. 52.6% of respondents practice self-medication for immediate relief of symptoms. More than half (71.6%) of the respondents were not aware of the negative impacts of self-medication.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the majority of the respondents practiced self-medication.