Self-Medications Habits: A Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices

Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is a widespread practice that can significantly influence public health outcomes. This survey-based study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and influencing factors of self-medication among 550 individuals using a structured questionnaire, achieving a high response rate of 92%. The data collected included demographics, commonly self-treated ailments, frequently used OTC drugs, sources of information, reasons for self-medication, and awareness of associated risks. The findings revealed that 74.7% of participants had practiced self-medication in the past six months, indicating a strong reliance on unsupervised drug use. Painkillers (72.9%), antibiotics (54.2%), common cold medications (57.9%), and cough syrups (44.1%) were the most frequently used drugs, often without proper medical oversight. The most common symptoms prompting self-treatment included headache (72.4%), cough and cold (71.1%), and fever (65.5%). The main reasons cited were the need for quick relief (49.5%), perception of the illness as non-serious (47%), and the desire to save money (45.1%) and time (43.3%). These findings highlight a potentially hazardous pattern of drug use, particularly concerning the unsupervised use of antibiotics and analgesics, which can lead to issues such as drug resistance, symptom masking, and dependency. The study underscores the need for enhanced public awareness, regulatory interventions, and educational initiatives to promote safer and more responsible self-medication practices.