PREVALENCE AND AWARENESS OF OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION: ADDRESSING THE ALARMING SURGE OF SELF-MEDICATION IN YOUNG POPULATION

Globally, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are commonly used as nonprescription medications. Among these, analgesic agents are most frequently consumed, though their indiscriminate use can lead to serious health complications. The use of OTC medicines without prescription and proper awareness has now become a public health concern world-wide. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness, prevalence and handling of OTC medicines among the students of a local university. A cross-sectional survey based study was conducted using a structured open-ended questionnaire, distributed randomly among university students in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 300 students participated in the study. The questionnaire aimed to evaluate participants' knowledge and usage patterns of common analgesics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin. Out of 300 participants 69% were females and 31% were males, aged between 18 to 30 years. Among them, 56% reported that paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin were used for pain relief, while 44% were unaware of its indication. Pain was the most commonly reported reason for OTC drug use (29%). Awareness of adverse effects was also assessed, with gastrointestinal (GI) complications being the most reported side effect at 43%. The OTC are commonly reported to be taken for pain.