A BIOSTATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS INFLUENCING SELF-MEDICATION PATTERNS AND PHARMACOVIGILANCE OUTCOMES

Thakur Riya, Rathore Rizul, Dhawan Sajal, Dr. Rajender Guleria*

ABSTRACT

Title: A Biostatistical Analysis of Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Self-Medication Patterns and Pharmacovigilance Outcomes: A Rural-Urban Comparative Study (N = 100). Background: Self-medication remains a significant public health challenge in India, often leading to unreported ADRs. While the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India, social demographic barriers often impede its effective at the community level. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the influence of gender, age, area, education on self-medication habits and ADR awareness among 100 participants in comparative to rural urban framework. Methodology: A prospective, cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a validated 15-item questionnaire. The sample was satisfied into Rural (45%) and Urban (55%) cohorts, further categorized into three life stages: Youth (15 to 39), Middle Age (40 to 59) and Senior (50 to 89). Data analysis was performed using Ms Excel 2026, employing the Chi Square (x2) test to determine statistical significance. Result: The overall prevalence of self-medication was 63%, with the highest rates observed in Urban Youth demographic a highly significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was found between increasing age and declining health literacy. While the urban cohort showed 68% ADR awareness, the rural cohort particularly the 19% uneducated segment demonstrated a “Reporting Dark Zone” due to an inability to interpret safety labels. The study identified the Middle-Aged (40 to 59) which is “Metric Bridge” as a key demographic for family health interventions. Conclusion: Medication safety is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. The findings advocate for the shift toward Pictographic Counselling for rural seniors and Digital PV Integration for urban youth to bridge the identified literacy safety gap.

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