Self-Medication in Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate 1) ratio of people
practicing self-medication in BZU, Multan; 2) their knowledge about
effects of self-medication; and 3) views about ways to reduce self medication practices.
Methodology: The study conducted was questionnaire based during
December 2014. It involved a total of 100 participants of which 50 were
male and 50 were female. Results: The prevalence of self-medication was
found out to be 75%. 48% of the people stated that self-medication can
cause both the death of the person as well as the person can become
addicted to the medicine. 39% of the participants think that due to lack of
awareness people get attracted to self-medication; and 53% of the people
take lack of awareness as the leading cause of increasing self-medication
practices in Pakistan. 81% people stated that self-medication can be
stopped. 52% participants think as media can be used to spread awareness
while 15% think that by arranging free camps for the poor, we can reduce
the self-medication. While 33% people think that by arranging seminars,
we can stop self-medication. Conclusion: The prevalence rate as indicated
by this study was very high so proper measures should be taken to reduce
its rate. For this purpose, the help of media, seminars or camps can be
arranged.