COMPARISON OF SELF MEDICATION USE IN SOME URBAN AND RURAL POCKETS OF PUNE INDIA

Shreeya Chugh, Yogendra Keche*, Shraddha Bhoyar, Neha Loharkar, Priyanka Gore and Avadhut Khade

ABSTRACT

Background and objective: This study was conducted to compare the self medication pattern in urban and rural areas of Pune. Method: Data was collected with the help of semi-structured questionnaire from persons who were buying drugs without prescription from medical shops. Information about self medications, diagnosis for use of self medications, source of information of self medications, adverse effects to self medicated was collected. Results: NSAIDs, GIT, cosmetic and herbal drugs are self medicated more in urban areas whereas NSAIDs and antibiotics are self medicated more in rural areas. 39% urban and 29% rural analgesics self medication was associated with ADRs. 29.41% antibiotics self medication leads to ADRs in rural areas. Doctors and chemists are two major sources of information for self medications in rural areas, whereas advertisement is third information source in urban areas. Conclusions: NSAIDs, GIT, drugs for skin ailments and herbal drugs are commonly self medicated in urban population. The self medication of antibiotics in rural areas is disturbing, as these are liable for drug resistance and ADRs. Hence should be taken under supervision only. Pharmacists should provide information about adverse effects of NSAIDs and antibiotics. Legal steps should be taken for providing information of ADRs to self medicated drugs. Regulation of advertisements may also help in curbing the self medication in urban areas.

Keywords: Self medication, urban and rural self medication, NSAIDs self medication, Antimicrobials self medication.