Informed Self Medication is the Need of the Hour: A Situation Analysis of Practice of Self Medication for Dermatological Conditions and Attitudes towards it among University Students in North Chennai: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Self-medication, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the use of prescription drugs without medical guidance, is a common and concerning public health issue, especially among university students. Most of the over the counter (OTC) medications taken without due consultation but through other sources may lead to unwanted side effects and inadequate treatment of the problem. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of self-medication for skin problems among students in an engineering college in Chennai, India. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at a university in Chennai. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was administered, collecting information on demographic characteristics, medication usage, disease types, reasons for not seeking professional help, and sources of medication advice. Results: The study revealed that 59.93% of study participants were engaged in self-medication, predominantly for hair and skin conditions. Hair fall (73.09%) and dandruff (55.14%) were the most common issues addressed through self-medication. Students chose self-medication primarily because they perceived their illness as minor (26.67%) or had prior experience with the condition (20.37%). Most of the students view self-medication as a part of self-care and believe that it should be practised (89.81). There was a statistically significant association between this attitude towards self-medication and the actual practice of self-medication. (CI 95% 1.000-4.834, OR 2.199). Conclusion: This study emphasised the need for awareness among the non-medical university students about the potential risks associated with self-medication, including adverse effects and the importance of seeking professional medical advice for dermatological conditions. The study showed that most students endorse the practice of self-medication. Nevertheless, all medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, are associated with their own set of consequences. This emphasises the urgent need for education on the potential risks associated with it.