Study of self medication of allopathic medicine among college students in West Bengal

Self medication in India is of great concern and need to be addressed appropriately. Many young individuals irrespective of age and sex go for self medicated drugs (over the counter drug) without actual knowledge of the adverse effect of the medication. Our study highlights the dependence of people over self medication. The main aim of this study was to convey and analyze the branded medicines used by college students, awareness, decisions behind self medication, confidence in medicine system, drug information resources, adverse findings if any and knowledge of drug profile. Samples of 1900 young students belonging to different regions of West Bengal were randomly selected from nineteen different colleges of nineteen districts (one college from each district) of West Bengal. An inclusion criterion was 18-25 years (mean age 20.53±2.12). A total of 205 students were excluded in accordance with the exclusion criteria like improper information. The prevalence of self medication among college students was 89%. About 78.05% students had a positive faith in allopathic medicines. 79.17% students learn self medication from doctors who prescribed medicines during their sickness. 17.69% were alcoholic, 24.73% were smokers, 10.69% students with chronic problems, who were considered to be at risk of drug adversity. Only 41.85% students were aware about drug interactions. Generally, the self medication was due to the illness associated with cough & cold, gastrointestinal Infections, headache and fever, mouth ulcer & throat infections. Respondents were using Schedule H drugs/potent drugs for minor illness. The results are based on the answers which were given by respondents asked during the study. The prevalence of self medication among college students in West Bengal is high. The percentage of self medication might change along with locality and region. This survey conveyed that the majority of college students had a poor knowledge about proper self medication and the knowledge of the benefits and risks were not up to mark. A number of students consulted pharmacists and followed advertisements on drug information. This issue needs to be addressed by the responsible authorities of State Pharmacy Council/Ministry of Health.