Influence of Pharmacology on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self Medication in 2nd year Medical Students -Observational Questionnaire Based Study

Abstract

Background: Self medication has been misused by use of non-prescription drugs amongst students which has become a serious problem. The youth is especially exposed to the media and the increased advertising of pharmaceuticals poses a larger threat to the young population. Aims and Objectives: To determine the influence of Pharmacology on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self Medication in 2^nd year Medical Students Materials and Methods: Self administered, semi structured validated questionnaires as pretest will be given at the beginning of 2^nd year (3^rd term) followed by post test at the end of 2^nd year (5^th term). Study was done among 105 and 109 in 3^rd and 5^th term 2^nd year medical students. Results: Out of 118 second year medical students, 105 were of 3^rd term and 109 were of 5^th term. In 3^rd term 58 were males and 47 were females, while in 5^th term, 61 were males and 47 were females. In 5^th term students knowledge regarding use of drugs for self medication were 106(97.2%), 104(95.4%), 108(99%), 86(78.8%), 69(63.3%) and 94(86.2%) compared to 3^rd term students which were 45(42.8%), 36(43.2%), 56(53.3%), 63(60%), 24(22.8%) and 53(50.4%) respectively. Attitude wise 98(89.9%) in 5^th term and 82(78%) believe that drug should not be taken which has expired date. 103(94.5%) of 5^th term students and 101(96.1%) of 3^rd term students had felt the necessity of medical knowledge towards self-medication. Among the participants participating self-medication, majority 96(88%) in 5^th term and 91(86.6%) 3^rd term followed allopathic system of medicine. Conclusion: In our study 5^th term students were more confident and well versed with pharmacology and hence better knowledge, attitude and practice was observed compared to 3^rd term students.