A Prospective Study of Self- Medication Pattern among Children

Abstract

Background:Analgesics,antipyretics, anti-inflammatory agents, cough and cold preparations areamongst the commonly practiced self-medications. The concept of self-medication involves the use of medicines for curative purposes but without professional advice. The present study was conducted to assess pattern of self- medication among children.

Materials & Methods:The present study consisted of 90 children age ranged 12- 18 years of both genders. Parental consent was taken of all children. Data pertaining to children such as name, age, gender etc. was recorded. The questionnaire used consisted of information such as medicines usedto treat illness and reasons for self-medication, type of medication used and type of therapy preferred.

Results: Out of 90 children, boys were 40 and girls were 50. Drugs were antipyretics in 42%, topical preparations in 4%, analgesics in 20%, antimicrobials in 11%, cough & cold preparations in 20% and antiallergy in 4%. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Therapy used was allopathy in 56%, herbal in 17%, homoeopathy in 11%, home remedies in 6%, and combination therapy in 10%. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: The most common self used drug was antipyretic and preferred therapy was allopathy.