Quick Relief or Lurking Danger? A Descriptive Study on the Pattern and Correlates of Self-medication among Adults in Thiruvalla, Kerala

Background: The practice of self-medication is common in many parts of the world and can have serious health consequences if not done responsibly. It can lead to drug interactions, addiction, overdose, and other negative health consequences. Some drugs that are commonly used for self-medication, such as prescription opioids or benzodiazepines, can be highly addictive and can lead to dependence and other health problems. Objective: To study the prevailing pattern of self-medication among adults in Thiruvalla area of Pathanamthitta district. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 240 adults of both genders in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, Central Kerala from October 2022 to January 2023. The sample size was calculated using prevalence of self-medication (81.77%) from a similar study. The data was analyzed using the IBM statistical package for social sciences version 21. The results have been presented as tables and charts showing percentages and proportions. A Chi-square test was used for analyzing the association between demographic variables and the practice of self-medication. Results: Out of 240 study participants, 60 % had self-medicated during the last three months. Majority of study participants (42%) self-medicated by naming the drug at their local pharmacy. The present study found that education of the higher order was a risk factor for the practice of self-medication among study participants. Conclusion: A holistic approach involving regulations for pharmacies in dispensing drugs against postdated, unauthorized, incomplete prescriptions and awareness sessions on the implications of self-medication may be helpful in curbing the escalation of the habit of self-medication among the general public.