INTRODUCTION:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-medication refers to the practice of using medications to treat conditions or symptoms that individuals diagnose themselves. It can also include the occasional or ongoing use of previously prescribed drugs for recurring or long-term health issues. This practice may involve the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, prescription medications, or alternative and complementary therapies¹.

Self-medication encompasses a range of behaviors, such as obtaining medications without a prescription, reusing previous prescriptions to buy drugs, sharing medications with family or friends, using leftover drugs stored at home, and not following prescribed treatments properly—whether by stopping too soon, continuing too long, or altering the dosage. While self-medication is a component of self-care, it differs in that it specifically involves the use of medicines, which can have both beneficial and harmful effects^2,3.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that responsible self-medication can aid in managing and preventing conditions that don’t need professional medical attention, thereby easing the burden on healthcare systems—especially in settings with limited resources. However, studies have indicated that improper self-medication can result in harmful outcomes such as adverse drug reactions, drug-related illnesses, interactions between medications, antibiotic resistance, and unnecessary healthcare spending⁴.

Self-medication is widely practiced worldwide, with a particularly high prevalence in developing nations like India. One key reason is that it provides a more affordable option for individuals who may not be able to bear the cost of formal medical treatment. The accessibility of over-the-counter medications without needing a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider also plays a significant role in its widespread use in these areas^5,6.

In India, it is quite typical for people experiencing common health issues like fever, cold, cough, diarrhea, indigestion, or minor infections to rely on advice from family members, friends, or even strangers—particularly regarding antibiotics. Despite legal regulations, antibiotics and other drugs classified under Schedule H of the Indian Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1945 are frequently sold without prescriptions by unauthorized vendors, which is prohibited. Many individuals avoid seeking professional healthcare and instead approach retail pharmacies for over-the-counter medications or use leftover drugs shared by others with similar past symptoms. Although these actions may not always cause immediate harm, they pose serious risks such as improper treatment, drug resistance, and adverse side effects⁶.

Although responsible self-medication can offer benefits in many scenarios, its improper use comes with serious drawbacks. Misusing medications may lead to wasted healthcare resources and increase the risk of drug-resistant pathogens, reducing the effectiveness of future treatments. It can also cause harmful effects like adverse drug reactions, misdiagnosis, prolonged illness, or dependency. Conversely, when done appropriately, self-medication can be highly beneficial—it can offer fast relief for minor health issues, reduce the need to wait for a doctor, lower healthcare costs, and even serve as a critical option during emergencies when medical assistance is not immediately accessible⁶.

Self-medication without adequate knowledge can lead to the improper use of drugs, resulting in serious health consequences and higher economic costs. The widespread misuse of medications without professional guidance increases the chances of incorrect treatment, missed diagnoses, delayed appropriate care, drug resistance, and greater illness burden^7,8.

The primary reasons for self-medication include the growing trend of modern patients taking control of their own health, particularly in managing simple or recurring conditions after a proper diagnosis. With adequate information, individuals often manage treatments like antihistamines, topical steroids, antifungals, and contraceptives without the need for frequent medical consultations⁹. The rise in self-medication is also driven by factors such as the desire for self-care, concern for family members' health, limited access to healthcare, poverty, lack of awareness, misconceptions, extensive drug advertising, and the easy availability of medications outside of pharmacies^9,10.

The global prevalence of self-medication ranges from 11.7% to 92%¹¹, with India having an overall rate of 64.4%. The northern region has the highest prevalence at 81.9%, while other regions show no significant variation. Among different groups, non-healthcare students report the highest prevalence (86.1%), followed by healthcare students (79.0%) and the general population (59.7%)⁶.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

Study Setting:

This study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to a diverse group of individuals from both rural and urban areas. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select participants, ensuring a representative sample from various demographics. The survey was conducted during the 2024-2025 period, with participants being randomly chosen from both rural and urban populations.

Sample Size:

The sample size was determined using the standard equation for sample size calculation:

n=z2p(1−p)e2n = \frac{z^2 p(1-p)}{e^2}n=e2z2p(1−p)

where a 50% proportion (assumed to represent the population with adequate knowledge and attitude toward self-medication) was used. This ensures the study's findings are statistically significant and reliable.

Validity and Reliability:

The survey instrument was carefully developed and assessed for appropriateness, accuracy, and relevance. Experts were consulted to critique the questionnaire’s content, ensuring it aligned with the study's objectives. Participants were fully informed about the study's aims and provided their consent before participation.

The questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms and shared via email with 550 participants following consent.

Questionnaire Structure:

The questionnaire was divided into three sections, totaling 23 questions:

1. Demographic Information:

The first section gathered details such as age, gender, education, occupation, and location (rural or urban).

2. Knowledge about Self-Medication:

· The second section evaluated participants' knowledge of self-medication practices. Response options for knowledge-based questions were:

· Yes

· No

· Do not know

3. Attitudes toward Self-Medication:

· The third section focused on participants' attitudes, including:

· Types of drugs commonly used

· Ailments frequently self-treated

· Reasons for self-medication

· Negative consequences experienced from self-medication practices

Data Management and Analysis:

The data collected through Google Forms were entered into MS Excel for easy organization and analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were employed to summarize and interpret the data, providing insights into the knowledge and attitudes toward self-medication among the study participants.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Demographic Information:

Table 1 Demographic characteristics of the population (n = 550)

	Group	N	%
Gender	Male	285	51.8%
Gender	Female	265	48.2%
Age	1-10	0	0%
	11-20	120	21.8%
	21-30	285	51.8%
	31-40	52	9.5%
	41-50	60	10.9%
	50 Above	33	6%
Area of living	Urban	180	34.5%
Area of living	Rural	360	65.6%
Occupation	Students	365	66.4%
Occupation	Other	185	33.5%
Education level	10^th	34	6.2%
	12^th	120	21.8%
	Graduate	312	56.7%
	Post-Graduate	84	15.3%
Which type of drug do you purchase for self-medications	Generic drug	208	37.8%
Which type of drug do you purchase for self-medications	Branded drug	342	62.2%
For whom do you purchase self-medications	Ourself	468	85.1%
	Childrens	144	20.7%
	Parents	196	35.6%
	others	78	14.2%

Out of a total of 585 individuals approached, 550 participants successfully completed the questionnaire, resulting in a 92% response rate. This high level of participation indicates the reliability of the data collected and a strong engagement from the target population.

Gender Distribution:

The gender distribution was fairly balanced:

· 51.8% were male (285 participants)

· 48.2% were female (265 participants)

This near-equal representation ensures that the study captures perspectives from both genders, offering a well-rounded view of self-medication practices.

Age Distribution:

The majority of respondents were in the 21–30 years age group (51.8%, 285 individuals). Other age groups were represented as follows:

· 11–20 years: 21.8%

· 41–50 years: 10.9%

· 31–40 years: 9.5%

· 50 and above: 6%

This indicates that the study primarily reflects the behaviors of adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged individuals, with no participants in the 1–10 years category.

Area of Living:

A significant majority of respondents hailed from rural areas 65.5%, while 34.5% were from urban areas. This rural dominance offers insights into health behaviors prevalent in non-urban communities, which may differ from those in urban settings.

Educational Background:

· 56.7% were graduates.

· 21.8% had completed 12th grade.

· 15.3% held a post-graduate degree.

· 6.2% had education up to the 10th grade.

This shows that the sample is largely composed of individuals with at least a graduate-level education, suggesting a relatively well-educated population base.

Occupation:

· 66.4% were students.

· 33.6% were engaged in other occupations.

The predominance of students indicates that the study offers valuable insights into the health behaviors and self-medication practices of younger, academically active individuals.

Self-Medication Practices:

Choice of Medicines:

· 62.2% preferred branded drugs.

· 37.8% opted for generic drugs.

This reflects a strong preference for branded medicines, possibly due to perceived higher quality or effectiveness.

Purchase of Medicine:

· 85.1% purchased medications primarily for themselves.

· 35.6% bought drugs for their parents.

· 20.7% bought drugs for their children.

· 14.2% purchased medications for other family members or friends.

These findings highlight the personal nature of self-medication while also showing that people often take responsibility for the health of their close family members.

Table 2: population practices toward self-medication (n = 550)

Question		n	%
1- Did you practice SM in the last 6 months?	Yes	411	74.7%
1- Did you practice SM in the last 6 months?	No	139	25.3%
2- How frequently did you visit the pharmacy to purchase drugs without a prescription for yourself in the last 6 Months?	Once	198	36.5%
	Twice	155	28.6%
	Three	86	15.9%
	More than 3 time	103	19%
3- Do you know if the medicines you consumed needed prescription or not?	Yes	444	81.3%
	No	102	18.7%
4- Which of the following drugs have you taken without prescription during the last 6 months?	Painkiller	398	72.9%
	Antibiotic	296	54.2%
	Antipyretic	205	37.5%
	Antihistamine	74	13.6%
	Cough Syrup	241	44.1%
	Drug for constipation	90	16.5%
	Antacids	220	40.3%
	Drug for Diarrhoea	86	15.8%
	Nasal, ear or eye drop	110	20.1%
	Common cold	316	57.9%
	other	67	12.3%
5- For which of the following symptoms have you taken medications without prescription during last six months?	Headache	390	72.4%
	Cough & cold	383	71.1%
	Fever	353	65.5%
	Infection	78	14.5%
	Heartburn	88	16.3%
	Disorders of digestive system	76	14.1%
	Allergy	110	20.4%
	Bodypain	232	43%
	Menstrual Problem	85	15.8%
	Toothpain	102	18.95
	Insomnia	32	5.9%
	Other	64	11.9%
6- Source of information about self medication?	Relatives	203	37.2%
	Friends	178	32.6%
	Personal knowledge	307	56.2%
	Multimedia	144	26.4%
	Advice by doctor without prescription	185	33.9%
	Through Pharmacist	280	51.3%
7- What do you know about drugs which you purchased?	How to use	451	82.9%
	Frequency	202	37.1%
	Storage	186	34.2%
	Duration	222	40.8%
8- Reason for self medication?	To save money	246	45.1%
	To save time	236	43.3%
	Needed quick relief	270	49.5%
	No hospital near by you	138	25.3%
	Health problem not serious	265	47%
	Embarrassed of discussing own symptoms	66	12.1%
9- After how many days did you stop medication?	Rang from 2-4 days	N/A	N/A
10- Have you ever experienced negative side effects of self medication?	Yes	194	36.1%
	No	344	63.9%

DISCUSSION:

This study is the first to assess the knowledge and practices regarding self-medication (SM) among the general population. The findings present several noteworthy observations. First, the study revealed that a majority (86.7%) of students exhibited good knowledge scores related to self-medication. Second, over half (74.7%) of the students reported engaging in self-medication in the past 6 months, reflecting a prevalent behavior within this group.

In comparison with previous research in India, self-medication rates among medical students ranged from 92%¹¹, while studies on Indian students from non-medical fields reported a prevalence of 80.1% in Tamil Nadu^12,13 and 87% in Uttar Pradesh^13,14. Internationally, prevalence rates for self-medication were 59% in Nepal ¹⁴, 55.3% in Pakistan¹⁵, 56.9% in Nigeria¹⁶, and 80.9% in Malaysia^17,18. These findings highlight the widespread nature of self-medication across diverse geographic locations and disciplines.

The majority of participants in these studies adhered to the allopathic system of medicine, a trend consistent with other Indian research^13,18. In this study, the most common reason cited by participants for self-medication was the perception of illness as minor, a finding that aligns with similar studies conducted in India¹⁹. However, in Tamil Nadu, the primary reason was the time-saving nature of self-medication²⁰, while in Punjab, the desire for quick relief was more prevalent¹⁸. In contrast, research from Karachi²¹ and Malaysia²² found that prior experience with the illness was the main motivator for self-medication.

The source of information about drugs used for self-medication in our study was frequently derived from previous prescriptions for the same illness, which mirrors findings from Tamil Nadu²⁴ and Uttar Pradesh²⁵. In our sample, antipyretics were the most commonly used self-medicated drugs, a trend also observed in South India²¹. However, in studies conducted in Nepal²⁴, Pakistan²⁶, and Nigeria²⁷, analgesics were more commonly self-medicated. The primary reason for self-medication in our study was fever, which aligns with research from Tamil Nadu²⁶, but differs from Northern ²⁷ and Southern India²⁸, where cough and cold were the leading symptoms.

A key finding in our study is that most participants (49.5%) preferred self-medication for quick relief, with many discontinuing treatment after 2-4 days. However, 36.1% of participants reported experiencing adverse side effects from self-medication. This underscores the potential risks associated with unsupervised drug use. Despite this, a majority (76.8%) of participants agreed that altering medication doses without consulting a doctor could be dangerous, which indicates a solid awareness of the potential hazards involved.

Regarding drug purchasing behavior, 62.2% of participants chose branded drugs, while the remaining 37.8% opted for generic alternatives. This preference for branded drugs is consistent with broader consumer trends, where branded products are often perceived as superior in quality. Furthermore, 83% of participants reported checking the instructions that accompany medications, suggesting responsible self-medication behavior, though 11.8% admitted to not checking before administering the medicine.

Demographically, the study found that self-medication was nearly equally distributed between male and female participants, with the highest prevalence among individuals aged 21-30. This age group appears to be particularly prone to self-medication, which could be attributed to factors such as increased independence, health awareness, or limited access to healthcare services.

In conclusion, while the knowledge and practices regarding self-medication are widespread among the population, concerns remain regarding the safety and risks involved, especially with the use of branded drugs and the occurrence of adverse effects. It is crucial to promote better understanding of self-medication, raise awareness about its risks, and encourage consultation with healthcare professionals. Future research should focus on understanding the underlying motivations and behaviors that drive self-medication across different regions and demographic groups.

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Received on 30.05.2025 Revised on 11.08.2025

Accepted on 31.12.2025 Published on 13.04.2026

Available online from April 15, 2026

Asian J. Pharm. Tech. 2026; 16(2):131-137.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5713.2026.00018

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.