The unresolved urban dilemma of self-medication practices and its association with various socio demographic factors among adults in urban slum - A community based cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Self-medication has grown increasingly in developing countries, such as India, perhaps causing drug addiction and microbial resistance. Without proper medical supervision, self-medication can cause ineffective or excessive treatment, a delay in treatment, misdiagnosis, resistance to antibiotics, medicine abuse, and an increase in morbidity. Methodology: The population-based cross-sectional analytical research done in urban slum. We questioned 400 individuals over the age of 18 at their homes. Data were acquired from individuals using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire as an interview tool. Objective: To determine self medication prevalence and its connection to various demographic risk factors. Results: Self-medication was prevalent, with 51% in selected urban slums. The most commonly self-administered drugs were analgesics (59.8%) and antacids (46.07%). Body discomfort (60.29%), Headaches (55.78%), feverish (53.43%), cough (41.01%), were among the most common conditions when participants used medication on their own. There was a significant relationship with self-prescribed medication use and healthcare professionals in the household (p = 0.00001) and among working participants (p = 0.009). Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of self-medication among individuals, with better education and family medical history contributing to this tendency. Lower socioeconomic groups often use medications without consulting doctors, and chronic illnesses require continuous follow-up. Education on the dangers of self-medication is crucial.