A STUDY ON ASSESSMENT OF SELF MEDICATION PRACTICES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF GAUHATI MEDICAL COLLEGE

Mousumi Krishnatreya; Gitanjan Sarma; Jutika Ojah

Volume : VII, Issue : III, March - 2018

A STUDY ON ASSESSMENT OF SELF MEDICATION PRACTICES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF GAUHATI MEDICAL COLLEGE

Mousumi Krishnatreya, Gitanjan Sarma, Jutika Ojah

Abstract :

Introduction:Undergraduate medical students have knowledge of drugs and have a tendency to self–medicate.This study was done to assess the practice of self–medication among these medical students.

Methods:Three hundred medical undergraduates from different years of medical education in Gauhati Medical College were subjected to a validated questionnaire on history of practice of self–medication in last 6 months.

Results:Self medication was practiced by 73.3% students, with highest contribution(31.8%) by 4^th year students.There was increase in practice in self–medication with increase in the year since medical admission (p<0.0001).Academic knowledge or textbooks were the most common references used.Reasons for self–medications were mild nature of illness,saving time,urgency and cost–effectiveness.Conclusion:Self–medication is common in undergraduate medical students