A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO ASSESS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF OTC DRUGS AMONG SECOND YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS OF 2018 BATCH AND 2021 BATCH AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Dr. Pooja Agrawal, Dr. Virendra Kushwaha*, Dr.Vijay Kumar Singh, Dr. Vipul Shukla

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are more commonly used than prescription drugs for self-medication worldwide1. The Advantages of OTC drugs are decreased doctor visits and lower costs compared with prescription drugs. Overuse of OTC drugs can lead to adverse reactions, drug interactions, overdosing, and other medication-related issues. Method: A cross sectional survey is conducted among 2nd year medical students, in the form of pre-test containing questions about OTC drugs. After sensitisation on topic same questions were provided in the form of post-test and results were analysed. Result: Out of 250 students, 217(87%) students responded in pre-test while 220(88%) responded during post-test. During test, 39% were female and 61% were male. Most common ailment is fever for which self medication has been done. We found significant improvement in knowledge and change in attitude after sensitisation towards use of OTC drugs and majority of students (80%) agreed that self medication should not be done. Conclusion: We concluded that majority of participants practiced self-medication. Awareness and dangers of misuse of OTC medications among all participants was less. Therefore, it is suggested that proper education/awareness programes should be implemented regarding self-administration of OTC drugs.

Keywords: OTC drugs, self medication, prescription.