Assess the Prevalence of Self-Medication among Individuals in a Selected Community at Thoothukudi

Dr. Shermila Stella Jeyaraja

Abstract: Self-Medication is harmful to one`s health and is widespread in the country. To reduce the practice of self-medication, people should get sufficient health education. The study was undertaken by the investigator to assess the prevalence of self-medication among individuals in a selected community at Thoothukudi. The samples were selected by purposive sampling method. The sample size was 65 and they were selected based on inclusion criteria. A checklist was used to determine the prevalence of self-medication. The study findings revealed that among 65 samples 69% of samples reported engaging in self-medication, 44% of samples were taking self-medication for fever and cough, 56% were for cold, 33% were for knee pain, 47% for head ache, 33%for abdominal pain and 29% were for diarrhea.73% were commonly taking Tab. Paracetamol as self-medication, 42% were taking cough syrup, 9% Anti histamine and antibiotics and 16% were taking Tab. Pantoprazole as self-medication. While self-medication may offer short-term relief, the potential long-term risks make it a serious public health issue. Implementing comprehensive health education initiatives is essential to reduce this practice and ensure safer health practices in the community.

Keywords: Self-Medication, Health education, public health, Community study, Thoothukudi

How to Cite?: Dr. Shermila Stella Jeyaraja, "Assess the Prevalence of Self-Medication among Individuals in a Selected Community at Thoothukudi", Volume 14 Issue 4, April 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1898-1899, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25410233647, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25410233647

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