EVALUATION OF SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A CROSS SECTIONAL ONLINE SURVEY IN AURANGABAD CITY, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Dr. Shruti Chandra*, Dr. Deepali Jayabhaye, Dr. Sukhmeen Kaur and Dr. Amol Ubale

ABSTRACT

Background: Self-medication is a common practice in India as it provides a low-cost alternative for people, which involves inappropriate and injudicious use of medicines treat self-recognized symptoms by the people. Methods: A cross sectional online survey was conducted on 552 citizens by structured questionnaires during COVID-19 outbreak from April to May 2021 in Aurangabad city, to observe the prevalence, pattern and sources of self medication. Results: Out of total 540 respondants, 75% individuals underwent rtPCR test, out of which 73.3% turned to be positive. 380 people (70.3%) took some or other medication, out of which 204 (53.6%) did self medication without any doctor,s advice. Maximum number of patients suffered from fever (64.4%) followed by throat pain (36.2%), dry-cough, loss of smell, loss of taste, bodyache and diarrhoea. The most common antibiotics used were Azithromycin (254, 66.8%) followed by doxycycline (146, 38.4%). Most common reason for taking self medication was No need to visit the doctor for minor illness (100, 18.5%) followed by ease and convenience (92, 17%). The most common reason for not taking self medication was lack of knowledge about medicines (156, 28.8%) f/b risk of adverse effect (124, 22.9%). Conclusions: As per our study, good number of people practiced self medication, especially during the Covid outbreak. This could be due to unusual distress, caused by high self-awareness of their health and buying capacity of medication.

Keywords: COVID-19, Self-medication, Rational use of drug.