Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of undergraduate medical students toward over-the-counter drugs: An observational study

Abstract Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) Medicine use has been continuously increasing over the past few years. This development can be attributed to several factors, including rise in patient awareness as well as accessibility and affordability of OTC drugs. Medical students have a substantial role in spreading awareness about essential healthcare parameters to society, and they must have adequate knowledge about OTC drugs. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of undergraduate medical students toward OTC drugs and to determine the impact of educational intervention on their knowledge and attitude. Materials and Methods: It was a Quasi-Experimental Study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital among 234 undergraduate medical students. A questionnaire consisting of questions about knowledge, attitude, and practice toward OTC drugs was framed. After educational activities, the same questionnaire on knowledge and attitude aspects was given to the participants, and their response was collected and analyzed. Results: More than 90% of students became aware of OTC drugs after our educational activity as compared to <60% before. Less than 50% of students were aware of the benefit: Risk ratio of OTC drugs, which significantly improved to more than 70% after our educational intervention. More than 95% of medical students had practice of self-medicating themselves with OTC drugs. Only 11.11% of students consulted a clinician for adverse effects after taking OTC drugs. Conclusions: Many students do not have adequate knowledge of the pharmacology of OTC drugs, including their potential adverse effects, and interactions. Educational interventions have the potential to improve their knowledge, attitude, and practice.