Prevalence, Pattern, and Determinants of Self-medication among Elderly in Puducherry: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: Self-medication (SM) is the practice of taking medicine without a prescription to cure a medical condition, and it is prevalent among the elderly. This might be detrimental, because elderly persons have altered organ functioning and are more likely to have negative medication responses. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of SM among the elderly in Puducherry, explore the factors influencing this practice. Subjects and Methods: This is a community based cross-sectional study conducted in the field practice area of a private medical college in Puducherry using a semi-structured questionnaire among elderly. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The prevalence of SM among the elderly was found to be 80%. The majority (77.2%) of them self-medicate using allopathic drugs, primarily for headaches and other minor illnesses. The main factors associated with SM practices are hospital expenses, fear of wage loss, and distance to healthcare facilities. Conclusion: The findings indicate potential risks of SM, such as harmful drug interactions and the emerging problem of antimicrobial resistance. Mitigating these risks requires targeted educational programs and greater access to healthcare services. Overall, addressing SM behavior is critical in improving the health outcomes of the elderly.