A Survey on Awareness and Information Regarding Self-Medication

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is the practice of treating oneself with over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs without consulting a healthcare professional. While it can be convenient and cost-effective, self-medication can also be risky and may result in serious health consequences. Some common reasons why people self-medicate include a desire to avoid the expense and inconvenience of seeing a doctor, the belief that the condition is not serious enough to require medical attention, or a preference for alternative treatments. Objective: The major goal of this study was to find out how much knowledge CSE, Pharmacy, EEE and others department students at Daffodil International University (DIU) have on self-medication. Method: From February 2023 to March 2023, this online survey will be conducted among Daffodil International University's CSE, Pharmacy, EEE and others department students. The data for this investigation were collected using conventional sampling techniques. The study's sample size was 150, and response was stopped after the target number got attained. Result: In this survey, 150 students were involved, and 89% of them reported having self-medication, whereas 10% said they did not know. Men made up 73.5% of the participants, while women made up 26.5%. Majority of students taken self-medication for common cold and fever and that is 45.2%. Then the 2nd highest for headaches and that is 29.5%. Diarrhea for 5.5%, stomach aches for 4.8%, dental pain for 3%. Finally 12.3% students taken self-medication for other reasons that is unknown. In all types off illness, only 24% students prefer self-medication and 76% students don’t prefer self-medication for all types of illness. Conclusion: Students' knowledge and awareness of self-medication. Graduated students have some areas where their understanding was better, but overall things are looking well. Keywords: Self-medication, medicine, healthcare, doctor, covid-19, treatment.