Self-Medication Among Medical Students During the COVID19 Pandemic

Authors

  • Princy Alpesh Patel Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, India
  • Jill Zalavadia Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, India
  • Ayushi Prajapati Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education & Research, Surat, India
  • Disha Jeram Pavasiya Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, India
  • Swati Patel
  • Neeta Sharma Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, India
  • Payal Naik Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.140520232855

Keywords:

Self -medication, pandemic, covid-19, medical student, paracetamol

Abstract

Introduction: During the different wave of pandemic, due to various reasons self-medication practices among the public increased. Medical students are prone to such practices due to relevant background knowledge, and access to drugs. This study assessed the self-medication practice among the medial students during the different waves of pandemic of south Gujarat.

Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted during May to June 2022 through self-administered form among medical students of south Gujarat, India. Study questionnaire included general demography; most frequently practice of self-medication. drug and the reason behind it.

Result: Out of total 512 respondents, 381 (74.4%) did self-medication during the pandemic. 358 individuals (94.0%) did self-medication at least one drug since the start of pandemic. The most commonly utilizing medicines as prophylactic was Ayurvedic preparation, Multivitamins, Zinc and Vitamin C. For treatment of symptoms during the pandemic paracetamol (650 mg) was frequently used specially for body ache and fever. The main source of information of self-medication was internet.

Conclusion: This study depicted common self-medication practices among medical students during the pandemic. It is a significant health issue especially during the pandemic times, with high consumption reported as a prevention or treating symptoms of COVID-19.

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Published

2023-05-01

How to Cite

1.
Patel PA, Zalavadia J, Prajapati A, Pavasiya DJ, Patel S, Sharma N, Naik P. Self-Medication Among Medical Students During the COVID19 Pandemic. Natl J Community Med [Internet]. 2023 May 1 [cited 2024 Apr. 26];14(05):335-9. Available from: https://njcmindia.com/index.php/file/article/view/2855

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Short Research Article